Week two of the preseason kicks off this Thursday. The Chief’s second preseason game is on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, but before I preview this weekend’s upcoming game, a recap of what I saw in Sunday’s game against the Saints.
While Kansas City did drop their first game of the preseason to the Saints last Sunday 26-24, Patrick Mahomes and the regular starters only played one series and he went 2-2 for 15 yards. The offense did not really get going until after being shut out in the first quarter. Head coach Andy Reid was quite critical after the game saying “The starters were not good enough”. As the third and final preseason game gets closer, I expect the starters to be more sharp and focused leading up to that point. As my dad used to always tell me: “Practice doesn’t make you perfect. Practice makes you make better”. On a positive note, there were plenty of highlights from the second and third-string guys, led by backup quarterback Shane Buechele.
Buechele Impresses in Preseason Debut
Buechele went 11-18 for 155 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. But his most impressive play came in the third quarter with the Chiefs trailing 17-14. Watch this insane touchdown pass to wide receiver Kekoa Crawford. His escape from this sack might look like a certain quarterback (hint hint.) When asked about that touchdown pass afterward, Buechele told the media “I’m just playing football and I have a good example in front of me”. There’s no doubt this third-year undrafted free agent from SMU is making a push to be the second quarterback on the depth chart. It would not surprise me if he won the job to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup before the season begins.
Defense Struggles
On the defensive side of the ball, it was a struggle to stop the Saints and will need to be improved upon going forward. They did get three sacks and an interception but overall, it was not their best performance. In the very first drive of the game, the Saints marched down the field for a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to strike first. For what it’s worth, the defense is still missing their defensive tackle Chris Jones, who continues his holdout from contract negotiations. They will need him back as soon as possible to help patch up their defense because he is the engine that drives it.
Preview of Preseason Week Two
Week two of the preseason is up next, once again on the road as the Chiefs take on the Arizona Cardinals. This will be the Chiefs’ first appearance in Arizona after winning the Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium in February. As far as the Cardinals are concerned, they had an up-and-down off-season from cutting star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to hiring a new GM and head coach. Not to mention starting quarterback Kyler Murray is rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in December last year. No one knows what to expect from them this year as they try to tread water in Murray’s absence. Currently, Colt McCoy is leading the first-team offense but he has competition with the likes of David Blough and Clayton Tune. Regardless, the Cardinals are going through a rebuild of sorts.
If they choose to play, I’m looking for the Chiefs starters to regain their rhythm in the second preseason game this weekend and get themselves on track, particularly early on in the game and not fall behind. Unfortunately, the roster is not quite 100% healthy.
Injuries
First of all, tight end Jody Fortson was played on season ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Safety Mike Edwards (ankle), cornerback Nic Jones (fractured fingers), wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (knee) did not participate in Tuesday’s practice.
Lastly, wide receivers Nikko Remigio (dislocated shoulder), Ihmir Smith-Marsette (groin) and Justyn Ross (knee/hamstring) left Tuesday’s practice early.
