Arrowhead Pride
The Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line coach Joe Cullen sees plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his unit as it prepares for the 2025 season — starting with the leadership and drive of star defensive tackle Chris Jones.
“Chris has done a great job, leadership-wise,” Cullen told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s always done that.”
Cullen is very pleased with how Jones is performing as he prepares for his 10th NFL season.
“Chris is having a phenomenal camp. He hasn’t missed a rep — and this is our fourth year together… He’s in great physical shape — and he’s on a mission.”
When reminded about Jones’ recent remarks about getting more sacks in 2025, Cullen pointed to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s innovative strategies — and a strong group of experienced pass rushers.
“When you look at the two years we won the Super Bowl,” said Cullen, “Spags is as creative as it comes in terms of getting to the quarterback — and we have guys that can get to the quarterback.”
But Cullen still believes that finishing plays is what it will take to improve the sack numbers.
“The thing we’ve got to do [is do] a better job of making sure [that] in certain situations, [the quarterback] doesn’t get out of the pocket,” he explained. “We had opportunities to get him down and didn’t finish. [So] that’s been our emphasis this year.”
One key boost is likely to come from defensive end Charles Omenihu, who missed the early part of the season from a suspension in 2023 and an injury in 2024.
“I’m glad we got Charles back,” said Cullen of the ninth-year vet, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $7 million to spend another year in Kansas City. “No. 1, he was a free agent. He’s fully healthy, he’s working his tail off and he’s gonna be great for us.”
