Chris Jones sacks Jalen Hurts twice in first half of MNF as concerns mount over Eagles star’s knee

The Kansas City Chiefs’ elite defense lived up to its billing in the first half of a rainy Monday Night Football game at Arrowhead Stadium. In this highly-anticipated rematch of Super Bowl LVII, the Chiefs entered the locker room leading 17-7 after limiting Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts to five completions and 46 passing yards.

The Chiefs sacked Hurts four times in the first two quarters, with star defensive tackle Chris Jones getting home to bring down the Eagles star twice. From Philly’s perspective, the lack of protection was bad enough — but Hurts’ lack of mobility is becoming a concern as the second half of the regular season rumbles on.

Jones sacks Hurts twice…on one drive

On a 1st & 10 from the Philadelphia 30 midway through the second quarter, Jones bullied Eagles guard Landon Dickerson to bring down Hurts for a seven-yard loss. On 3rd & 14, Jones did it again, this time lining up on the left side of the defensive line and easily getting around Lane Johnson to force the Eagles into a punt.

Jones, who missed Kansas City’s opening game due to a contract dispute, has been ever-present since week 2 and has looked more and more like his All-Pro self. Monday marked his fifth game this season with multiple quarterback hits, and his first of the year with at least two sacks. His presence helped the Chiefs keep the Eagles’ explosive offense at bay in the first half — Philadelphia accrued only 78 total yards and averaged just 3.4 yards per play.

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Hurts’ left knee

The Eagles’ week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins left Hurts worse for wear. He suffered an injury to his left knee during that victory and began wearing a sleeve to protect it from further harm, but he tweaked it further during the week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Following a bye last week, Hurts ditched the sleeve for the Monday night game at Arrowhead…but he wasn’t able to escape the pocket much at all in the first half. The Chiefs’ pressure was an issue for Hurts and the Eagles’ offensive line, but Philadelphia’s offense loses a dimension if Hurts — an MVP candidate last year and this year — can’t take off on designed runs or improvise if the pocket collapses on him.