Tempers flared on the sidelines during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 14 clash against the Buffalo Bills, culminating in a heated altercation between Chiefs’ All-Pro defensive tackle, Chris Jones, and defensive line coach Joe Cullen.
The incident unfolded during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium, with Cullen visibly frustrated, slamming his tablet to the ground in response to a comment made by Jones while on the bench.
Chris Jones and Joe Cullen on the Chiefs sideline 👀 pic.twitter.com/JQ79PQZyCL
— 🇨🇩🇸🇱 (@8Flavs) December 10, 2023
The argument ensued after Kansas City’s defense successfully limited Buffalo’s offense to a field goal, following a 10-play, 62-yard drive that consumed 6 minutes and 22 seconds of game time.
While the specifics of the disagreement remain undisclosed, it may be related to the defense conceding 35 rushing yards to Bills’ running back James Cook on the preceding drive.
Up to that point, Kansas City’s defense had yielded 102 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry to the Bills.
Twitter, formerly X, erupted with reactions to the viral video capturing Jones’ altercation with Cullen.
One user applauded Jones’ response, stating, “That’s how you respond [to be honest]. Jones stays hungry; keep that for the next drive.”
Harold R. Kuntz of Fox 4 News in Kansas City downplayed concerns, affirming, “Chris Jones loves Joe Cullen, Joe Cullen loves Chris Jones, Everybody wants the best.”
Lyle Graversen of Arrowhead Addict expressed satisfaction at seeing Jones fired up, noting, “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see this.
The worst Chiefs are the hapless blank stare Chiefs. The pissed off Chiefs are typically WAY better.”
Josh Klinger of Sports Radio KCSP in Kansas City added humor, saying, “Yes, I’m aware. I’ll also say this is about an every other week deal. I think they have an understanding. Also might be Cullen’s 3rd tablet he’s on, but I may have lost track.”
Despite the sideline drama, the Chiefs succumbed to a 20-17 defeat against the Bills, bringing their season record to 8-5.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 25-of-43 pass attempts for 271 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
The defensive effort saw the Chiefs concede 327 total yards to Buffalo but managed 3 sacks, 1 interception, and limited the Bills to a 40% conversion rate on third down (6-for-15).
Safety Mike Edwards led the Chiefs’ defense with 11 tackles, while linebacker Nick Bolton, in his first game back from injured reserve, contributed 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass defended.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs will face the 3-10 New England Patriots on the road on Sunday, December 17, at noon Central time.