George Karlaftis Sets Unique Record Among Pass Rushers in 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs are excelling defensively in the year 2026, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NFL at 16.6. They rank tied for the third-most forced turnovers, with nine total, and have a solid run defense that permits only 88.8 rushing yards per game.

Defensive end George Karlaftis has distinguished himself as the only player to achieve double-digit pressures in two games this season. He tallied 11 pressures against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4 and followed up with 10 pressures against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6, where he also recorded his first sack of the season along with six tackles and two passes defensed. Despite the Chiefs’ struggles with sacks, ranking tied for second-fewest in the league with eight, Karlaftis’s ability to pressure quarterbacks is proving effective, underscoring his important role in the defensive lineup.