The Kansas City Chiefs delivered a dominant defensive performance throughout their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The defense not only limited Los Angeles to just two field goals, but also disrupted quarterback Justin Herbert’s game, as he continues to face criticism amid the Chargers’ winless start to the season.

At the same time, however, the defense drew significant attention for all the wrong reasons, with veteran defensive lineman Chris Jones at the center of it. Jones made contact with Herbert and could now face a fine from the NFL, as the Chiefs secured a 22-6 win over Los Angeles.

The incident took place late in the fourth quarter with just 1:28 remaining in the regulation. The Chargers faced fourth-and-22. Herbert, meanwhile, threw a pass to wide receiver Theo Wease, who gained 14 yards. At the same time, however, Jones made contact with the quarterback around the head and neck area and brought him down.

Subsequently, the officials flagged Jones for roughing the passer, giving the Chargers an automatic first down and extending the drive. Of course, the penalty couldn’t help Los Angeles as the game was already out of the team’s reach, but the late hit from Jones could affect the 32-year-old defensive tackle beyond the field.

Jones might also receive an additional punishment from the league. As per the 2026 NFL fines schedule, the defensive tackle could receive a $17,911 fine for roughing the passer for the first time. A second offense would bring him an additional $23,882 fine. 

But while it remains to be seen whether the league would punish Chris Jones, Kansas City’s dominating defensive performance can’t be overlooked. For broader context, the Chiefs entered the game without recording a sack in the last three games. Against the Chargers, the defense recorded four sacks.

Justin Herbert completed 22-of-37 passes for one interception and no touchdowns, while taking four sacks. George Karlaftis recorded 1 sack and 8 pressures, while Ashton Gillotte and Chamarri Conner recorded one sack each. Chris Jones, meanwhile, shared a sack with Peter Woods.

The secondary, on the other hand, created a pair of turnovers at important moments. Jack Cochrane intercepted Herbert early in the second quarter. The takeaway gave Kansas City possession at the Chargers’ 17-yard line, creating a short field for the offense. Later, L’Jarius Sneed forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, which linebacker Drue Tranquill recovered.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs limited the Chargers’ passing and rushing production. LA tallied 259 total yards, including 186 through the air. Los Angeles also managed just 73 net rushing yards on 22 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Herbert was the Chargers’ leading rusher with 26 yards on five carries.

But by the time the fourth quarter came, Chris Jones drew attention with a late hit on the Chargers’ quarterback. However, it wasn’t the only highlighted moment from the 32-year-old defensive tackle from the Week 6 matchup, as Jones was also spotted in a heated debate with defensive line coach Joe Cullen.

Chris Jones raised eyebrows after a heated exchange with Joe Cullen

In the second quarter of the game, when the Chiefs were leading by 9-3, CBS’ camera focused on Jones and Cullen engaging in a spat on the sideline. It appeared as if Jones brushed Cullen’s hand aside when he came to have a talk. However, the cameras couldn’t capture what Jones and Cullen told each other. 

“Chris Jones and Chiefs’ defensive line coach Joe Cullen have been in a screaming match down here on the sideline,” sideline reporter Melanie Collins said during the live broadcast. “Hard to tell what exactly is going on… frustrations boiling over down here.”  

Meanwhile, CBS analyst Trent Green highlighted that Jones and Cullen actually have a pretty good relationship with each other while replying to Kevin Harlan. According to him, the defender might have reacted to the coach putting his hand on his shoulder. But neither Cullen nor Jones confirmed the theory. 

“Joe Cullen’s been the defensive line coach here for a long time, and he and Chris have a good relationship,” Green stated. “I just don’t think Chris liked the fact that he put his hand on his shoulder and just asked him politely to take it off.” 

Nevertheless, the verbal altercation ticked the defensive tackle off in the right way. You see, Jones didn’t have any sacks in his four outings before the game against the Chargers. Even though he got his first sack, he had to share it with Peter Woods. 

Of course, Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive play calling certainly helped the team through the Week 6 game. And the Chiefs’ defenders were able to hold the Chargers off for the entire game. 

Jones’ fiery outing against the Chargers was a tale of two extremes. While a sideline spat with Cullen fueled his first sack of the season, his late hit on Herbert now leaves the Chiefs star facing a hefty NFL fine.