The Chiefs are still the Chiefs! As expected, the starters saw very limited minutes. Patrick Mahomes threw one pass for a touchdown to Jason Brownlee in the first quarter. Expected starter Isiah Pacheco had only one touch in the game, while Kareem Hunt recorded a reception and two rushing attempts. The offensive line stayed on the field longer than the other starters to give Kingsley Suamataia reps at left guard and Jaylen Moore reps at right tackle.

As is typical for most teams in the first preseason game, Andy Reid used this opportunity to evaluate roster spots, from rookies to second-year players on the bubble. Several players made strong cases for earning a spot on the roster for the regular season opener.

Standout Performers

• Christian Roland-Wallace: The undrafted second-year cornerback made several impressive plays in coverage, including an interception. He also showcased versatility by switching between cornerback and safety depending on the defensive package, proving his worth to the team once again.
• Nohl Williams: This third-round rookie cornerback from Cal demonstrated his value with excellent coverage plays. General Manager Brett Veach seems to have retained his knack for finding talent in the later rounds.
• Jack Cochrane: He forced a fumble, solidifying his value as a reliable backup for Nick Bolton.
• Tyquan Thornton: The wide receiver from Baylor appears on track to secure a roster spot. Though he had only one reception, he excelled at creating separation from the cornerback.
• Gardner Minshew: The backup quarterback embraced his role, making smart decisions to gain yardage without trying to do too much. He didn’t set the world on fire, but he showed he knows when to make the right play.

Players Needing Improvement

Some players struggled and may be in danger of losing their roster spots:

• Omarr Norman-Lott: The second-round pick had an underwhelming performance. Expected to support Chris Jones on the interior defensive line, he may need more playing time to elevate his game.
• Bailey Zappe: Zappe had a rough outing in Arizona, with multiple turnovers and errant passes. His performance raises questions about his role as the third-string quarterback. For now, it might be best to give Chris Oladokun more playing time.
• Kingsley Suamataia: He appeared uncomfortable at left guard and may require additional reps to adjust to the position.

Key Takeaways

I’m thrilled to see the secondary stepping up, especially with injuries at cornerback and safety. Williams and Roland-Wallace could fill those gaps effectively. In the wide receiver room, Thornton’s standout performance is exciting, and I believe depth at this position is critical. Last season’s revolving door of injuries at wide receiver highlighted the importance of having reliable options.

As we head into the second preseason game, the hope is that the offensive line continues to build chemistry and improves to keep Patrick Mahomes protected.