For a player of Chris Jones‘ caliber, a bye week isn’t just for rest. It’s for reflection, especially when the head coach’s demand for consistency is ringing in your ears. When a future Hall of Famer’s production dips, the whispers start. The defensive tackle has now cryptically shot back at his head coach, Andy Reid.

Jones posted an Instagram story featuring a black-and-white image of a watch with the words “On God’s Timing” engraved on the back. The message feels crucial for the veteran this season, as the 31-year-old has registered just 13 (6 solo) tackles and 2 sacks so far.

Jones’ long run with the Chiefs has seen him established as a cornerstone of the defense, but his 2025 numbers are way below what the Chiefdom is used to seeing. This has also raised questions among many across the league about the Chiefs’ threat this season due to their inconsistent performance.

According to team records, he amassed 75.5 career sacks by the end of 2023, which was the second-most among NFL defensive tackles since 2016. He recorded 15.5 sacks in both 2018 and 2022, and 10.5 in 2023. Jones’s reliability has anchored the franchise through three Super Bowl wins, and he has established himself as a six-time All-Pro member and a six-time Pro Bowler.

Chris Jones’s Instagram message may signal a personal reset, an internal acknowledgement that he trusts the process. It comes after head coach Andy Reid publicly stressed the need for “consistency” across the roster, including from his veteran anchor.

Andy Reid’s message to the Chiefs is to be better

Andy Reid didn’t mince words when addressing Chris Jones’ performance and the defensive unit. Reid believes the veteran interior pass rusher has the talent and work ethic. 

“I think we all need to do better. I would say that Chris is always striving to do better every day. That’s what’s made him such a good player. He’s the guy that they’re (opposing offenses) going to focus on. If we’re getting a double team, that’s who’s (Jones) getting doubled. He’ll get his as we go forward. It’s just important that he stays consistent and keeps working hard,” Andy Reid said.

This is not the first time Reid has urged his veteran defensive tackle to do better. The previous instance came after the Chiefs’ Week 5 loss to the Jaguars, where Jones seemingly lost his focus on the final scoring play.

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“You can’t think that the guy is down,” said Reid about Jones. “You have to play the play. He knows. He’s been around this a long time. That’s really what it came down to.”

Since entering the league in 2016, he has posted three seasons of double-digit sacks, logged 250+ pressures, and 203 quarterback hits. In 2024, he led all interior defenders in pressures with 88 and finished with a PFF grade over 90.2 for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Reid noted that opposing offenses zero in on Chris Jones because they respect his disruptive ability. If the double teams continue, Jones will still find his opportunities, but only if the grind stays steady and the focus remains sharp. 

Jones’ decline correlates with a slide in the Chiefs’ defensive ranking, particularly in pressure and sack totals. Multiple injuries and schematic adjustments, especially increased double-teams around him, have blunted his impact.

Utilizing his effectiveness in blitzes could also help Jones re-establish himself this season. Reid expects him to reclaim his dominant form and help pull the defense back to its elite standing.