The The Kansas City Chiefs are still searching for their first win of the 2025 season, but they head into Week 3 with reason for optimism on defense.
Chiefs’ Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott Looks to Build on First Sack
Rookie defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott recorded his first career sack in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a performance that drew praise from veteran leaders and offered hope as the team prepares to face the New York Giants.
Missed Week 1 with Injury
Norman-Lott, a second-round pick out of Tennessee, missed Week 1 with an ankle injury before making his NFL debut against Philadelphia. On just 16 defensive snaps, he produced Kansas City’s only sack of quarterback Jalen Hurts and helped limit running back Saquon Barkley to fewer than 100 yards.
“It was a very physical sack. He’s a huge guy with that ability,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “I think we drafted him in the second round just for that, and he came out and made a big statement today. It’s something we can build off of and add him to the rotation.”
Norman-Lott credited his veteran teammates for preparing him for the moment. “My vets – Charles Omenihu, Chris Jones, George Karlaftis – all preached to just keep rushing,” he said. “Because Jalen Hurts holds the ball and we have a good back-end group, and that’s kind of what happened on that play—just kept rushing.”
Learning From Proven Veterans
While Norman-Lott made headlines with his debut, Kansas City’s defensive line remains anchored by proven veterans. Jones, a three-time All-Pro, has tallied 80.5 career sacks since entering the league in 2016. He posted 15.5 sacks in 2022, 10.5 in 2023, and added five more last season while continuing to draw double-teams on nearly every snap.
Defensive end George Karlaftis has also emerged as a consistent threat off the edge. Through his first three seasons, he has totaled 24.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 56 quarterback hits, and 115 tackles. He signed a four-year extension earlier this summer, cementing his role as a cornerstone of the pass rush.
Charles Omenihu, returning from injury, is still easing into the season but has been an important piece in Kansas City’s rotation, capable of collapsing pockets and creating opportunities for teammates.
Chiefs’ Mental State Going Into Week 3
The Chiefs’ defensive front will be tested again in Week 3. The Giants, like Kansas City, enter Sunday night at 0-2 and are searching for their first victory.
In week 2 Chiefs defense showed improvement against the Eagles, holding Philadelphia to 20 points, but the offense failed to capitalize on opportunities. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ attack will look to finish drives more effectively against a Giants defense that has already forced multiple turnovers this season.
“I feel like we brought the energy,” Norman-Lott said. “But sometimes it’s just not enough. And we have an opportunity next week to do the same thing. Just keep building off of what we have going already.”
The Chiefs and Giants kick off Sunday night at 7:20 p.m. Central at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
