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Chiefs' second-year defender was silver lining in Week 8 loss

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Charles Goldman | Last updated 10/31/23

Everyone has taken a share of the blame for the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos.

As much as Chiefs fans may want to toss the tape from that game in the trash and light it ablaze, there was one shining beacon of hope during the loss that should have fans excited for the future. That silver lining is none other than 2022 first-round draft pick George Karlaftis.

Karlaftis didn't catch on until late in his rookie season, and this year he has picked up right where he left off. Something really seemed to click against the Broncos in Week 8, though. Karlaftis finished with a career-high in sacks (2.5) and stops (4), while also matching his second-best mark for single-game pressures (6).

A silver lining from the Week 8 loss: #Chiefs DE George Karlaftis had a career game.

2.5 sacks (team lead, most in a single game)
Six pressures (team lead, tied for second-most in single game)
Four stops (tied for team lead, most in a single game) pic.twitter.com/bLqhPIyGzb
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 30, 2023

It wasn't just about the box score and advanced stats, though. The way that Karlaftis was beating his opponent and the timing of it was quite notable. He was a bit of a one-trick-pony at times, relying on his strength and bull rush. Ahead of the half, he used his speed and quickness around the edge to force a sack-fumble on Broncos QB Russell Wilson. It was the type of rush that evoked memories of Chiefs legend Tamba Hali, whom Karlaftis worked out with during the offseason.

Right now, Karlaftis is tied for seventh in the NFL with 39 total pressures. Only Nick Bosa (44) Dexter Lawrence (44) Maxx Crosby (43) Micah Parsons (43) Aidan Hutchinson (42) and Josh Sweat (40) have recorded more pressures.

Karlaftis is also on pace for 13 sacks. That would be the most in a single season for an edge defender in Kansas City since Dee Ford recorded 13 sacks in 2019.

The 22-year-old is morphing from contributor to difference-maker before our eyes.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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