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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones needed half a sack in Week 18 to trigger a $1.25 million bonus per an incentive in his contract. He triggered that bonus on his 31st pass rush of the game when he sacked Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick on a 3rd-and-6 play in the third quarter.
When Jones got the sack his teammates were visibly excited for him and cameras caught the team celebrating on the sidelinecelebrating on the sideline.
Jones’s 2023 season started with him being sidelined because of a contract dispute with the Chiefs. So to have the regular season end with Jones reaching one of his larger contract incentives and his teammates celebrating with him feels like a full-circle moment for Jones, who will be a free agent in 2024.
Chiefs Finish Regular Season With 11 Wins
The defending Super Bowl champions finished the regular season with 11 wins.
In the 13-12 win over the Chargers, Chiefs backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert got the start and completed 15-of-30 pass attempts for 154 yards and 1 interception. The Chiefs’ leading receiver was Mecole Hardman, who caught 6-of-11 targets for 77 yards. The team’s leading rusher was running back La’Mical Perine, who ran the ball 21 times for 76 yards.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, receiver Rashee Rice, and running back Isiah Pacheco did not play in the regular season finale.
Mahomes finished the regular season having completed 67.2% of his passes for 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns, and threw 14 interceptions, per ESPN. Kelce was Kansas City’s leading receiver with 93 catches for 984 yards and 5 touchdowns. Rice was the team’s second-leading receiver with 79 receptions for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns. Pacheco was the team’s leading rusher with 205 carries for 935 yards — 4.6 yards per carry — and 7 touchdowns.
Safety Justin Reid led the Chiefs in tackles with 74. Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis tied for the team lead in sacks with 10.5. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed led the team in passes defended with 14.
Kansas City’s playoff opponent for the Wild Card round will be determined during Sunday Night Football when the Buffalo Bills face the Miami Dolphins. If the Bills win, then the Chiefs will face the Dolphins in the first round. But if Miami wins, then Kansas City will face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Twitter/X Reacts to Chiefs’ Victory
Users on X, formerly Twitter, reacted to Kansas City’s victory over Los Angeles in Week 18.
“The defence is good enough to keep us in games against anybody. There’s nobody I trust more in big games than 15 (Patrick Mahomes),” one user wrote. “Season starts now.”
“What a weird season for my guys, but can’t take away the 8th straight division title and another trip to the playoffs! LFG!” another user wrote.
“Even with the backups, always better to get a W going into the playoffs. Nice win. Now the 2nd season starts next week! Lets go!” another user wrote.
“Not a Chiefs fan but I do believe in Mahomes to take you guys far but the entire season I think you scored 30 like once? That’s crazy, hopefully you get it together because that won’t do it,” another user wrote.
“When I was a kid, going 11-6 and making the playoffs as a #Chiefs fan was like winning the Super Bowl, now it’s a down season, my how things have changed, love it! #playofftime,” another user wrote.
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