The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 2-0 on the preseason with a 17-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Multiple Chiefs made their mark as they look to secure their spots on the 53-man roster or improve their place on the depth chart.
A lot of eyes were on the extended look of the new offensive line. The line looked great. Patrick Mahomes was not touched and had clean pockets throughout his playing time. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and other running backs were getting huge holes to run through. Most impressively, over the 52 total snaps from the starting o-line in the first two preseason games, they have not been penalized. Thye have shown promise to be one of the top offensive lines in the league this season.
Mecole Hardman has been a huge storyline throughout the offseason and training camp with worries if he can take over the WR2 spot that was filled by Sammy Watkins. Last night, he showed flashes of being that guy. He was heavily targeted from that start, recording eight total. On those eight targets, he hauled in four passes, including a 17-yard touchdown reception from Chad Henne. It was an impressive catch with him coming back at the back of the end zone and grabbing it right before it hit the ground.
Another wide receiver showed out last night: Byron Pringle. Pringle is currently battling with Demarcus Robinson for the WR3 role. On Friday, he led the Cheifs in receiving yards with 63 off of four catches. His top catch came from Chad Henne on a seam down the middle of the field for a big gain.
The one downside to Friday’s victory is Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffering an ankle sprain. However, Darwin Thompson and Derrick Gore both put up numbers as they look to secure a roster spot. Gore led the team in rushing yards with 54 on eight carries. Darwin Thompson averaged 6.1 yards per carry on eight carries.
The battle for the 3rd QB spot (if the Chiefs carry three QBs) is heating up., Anthony Gordon was a perfect 7/7 for 42 yards on Friday. His competitor, Shane Buchele, went 9/11 for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Chiefs will get one last look at both guys next week to decide whether they will carry three quarterbacks or who will be on the practice squad.
The starting defense impressed as well last night. Kyler Murray played three series and the Chiefs defense forced three-and-outs on each drive. The front seven made a statement, recording five sacks in the game. Chris Jones had a sack and a forced fumble. Jarran Reed and Anthony Hitchens each recorded a sack as well.
In the secondary, Mike Hughes forced two passes defenced on four targets. However, the play of the night came from Juan Thornhill, who went full extension for an interception. He is proving that he is fully healthy and ready to return to his play from his rookie season.
The Chiefs have one last preseason game and it will be at Arrowhead Stadium. They take on the Minnesota Vikings at 7 p.m. CST on Friday, August 27.
