Chiefs’ Steve Spagnuolo Questions What Grades Really Measure

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Imagine following a family recipe to create a scrumptious home-cooked meal, then having neighbors ring your doorbell to criticize your cooking.

Welcome to Steve Spagnuolo’s world. Apparently, some of those food critics believe Chris Jones is having more of a McDonald’s start to the season. In contrast, the Chiefs defensive coordinator is dishing out Michelin stars for his All-Pro defensive tackle.

“What grades are you using?” Spagnuolo asked in response to a question about the grades Pro Football Focus has issued Jones this season. Pro Football Focus was the answer.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) looks at a ball that was meant for him as he gets ready to fall in the end zone, in the fourth quarter, Sunday, September 21, 2025. Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Nohl Williams (20) and Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) is shown on Nabers' sides. | Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“That's what everybody uses,” Spagnuolo said. “The only thing, Cris Collinsworth, I think he's a good dude, and he's involved in that company. I just, I don't know how you grade, put a grade on somebody when you don't know actually what their assignment was, or what they were being told.

“So, I don't know. It's like from our standpoint, I thought Chris in this particular game had a real big effect on the game.”

Russell Wilson, Jaylen Watso — Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Chiefs had different grade on Chris Jones

That game, the Chiefs’ 22-9 win over the Giants last week, had Collinsworth in NBC’s Sunday Night Football booth to call the action next to Mike Tirico. The former Bengals wide receiver is also the majority owner and CEO of Pro Football Focus.

The company and its grades are immensely popular, arguably the No. 1 source for player and team evaluations other than the teams’ actual coaching staffs.

Aug 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; NBC Sports broadcaster Cris Collinsworth watches from the sidelines during the game between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

And that’s Spagnuolo’s beef. While the company didn’t see Jones having a particularly good game last week against the Giants, Spagnuolo disagreed.

“They obviously found ways to double him,” he said, “whether it was two linemen, the running back at times was chipping inside, which you don't see a lot, but that was the Chris Jones Effect. A number of times he didn't get there, but I think he forced a quick throw, or a step up.”

First sack

Jones got his season’s first sack in that game, dropping Russell Wilson on an important second-down play in the third quarter. The Giants eventually punted in a 16-6 game.

Chris Jones, Lamar Jackso — Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) causing a fumble during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

So far this season, Jones has just five tackles, three of which have been for loss. But Spagnuolo said Jones has done what the Chiefs have asked him to do for the most part. He’s also been double-teamed much higher than normal, including 65-percent of his snaps against the Eagles in Week 2.

“Well, I will say this: There's a lot of stuff that PFF puts out that's valuable and useful,” Spagnuolo said. “My only thing, I think a lot of coaches feel the same way, Cris and I have talked about it, we've laughed about it, and I think their guys do a really good job. … But I just think there's a margin of error when you don't know exactly what the player was told. It may look like he's made a mistake, or a mental error, but it might’ve been exactly what they told him.”

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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