Chiefs stunned 12-20 by Rams as reserves seal NFL preseason opener
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We reached the two-minute warning with the Rams closing in on a victory; they had scored again and all but sealed the win in this first preseason game—a great offensive performance by the visitors, a great close.
We were nearing the two-minute warning, and the Rams held the lead, closing in on a victory in their first game of the NFL preseason; Kansas was looking to turn the game around with this crucial offensive drive.
Rams touchdown—they put 7 points on the board with a big run that gave Los Angeles a solid lead; we would see if they went for the extra point or attempted a conversion to put Kansas City in a tougher spot for their next drive.
The Rams had possession and, now in the red zone, were looking to reach the end zone and turn the game around; the fans were trying to apply pressure by making noise in the stadium—we were witnessing an intense fourth quarter.
This final quarter got off to a big start with mostly reserves on the field; we would see which team could take control and close out the game effectively. The Rams had to punt after three downs, unable to move the chains, a great close.
The third quarter ended with the score at 9–6 in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs over the Rams; it had been a great game so far, and we would see what happened as we headed into the final quarter—the best was yet to come.
We were in the final minutes of the third quarter, about to head into the fourth, with the score tied at 6-6; it was a very evenly matched contest, and everything pointed to the game being decided in this final quarter—we were in for a thrilling finish.
Kansas City picked up a first down with a big run and was close to midfield; backup players had now entered the game, aiming to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the final roster, a great game at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Rams also failed to move the chains on three attempts and had to punt; we were still watching a game that hadn't quite come to life, and the offenses were unable to reach the end zone, a great third quarter.
The Rams managed to stop Kansas City and took possession of the ball; we would see if they could score their first touchdown on this drive. It remained a very tight game featuring strong defenses that were forcing quick stops.
Kansas City opened with running plays but failed to gain positive yardage; they faced a third-and-7 situation, while the fans had not stopped cheering during this preseason game, a great match at that moment in this quarter.
The second quarter ended with the score at Kansas City 6, Los Angeles Rams 6; it remained a very tight game, and we would see how the teams made adjustments for the final two quarters, a great match at that moment.
We had reached the two-minute warning, and the Rams had retaken the lead by adding another 3 points; we had not seen any touchdowns, and it was a very tight contest—we would see how this second quarter wrapped up.
We were approaching the two-minute warning, and the Rams—thanks to a great pass to the sideline—were quickly crossing midfield and looking to regain the lead in this game as we neared the end of the second quarter.
Touchdown for Kansas City; the home team put the first 7 points on the board with a great run that gave them the lead. It was a superb offensive drive that consumed a lot of clock before ultimately resulting in a score.
Kansas City started its offensive series with good field position; they were looking to quickly cross midfield using trick plays. The home team had called some good plays, aiming to be more aggressive in this second quarter.
There were a lot of penalties in this game, preventing the teams from moving the chains; it was a very intense matchup featuring strong defenses, and the Rams had to punt after failing to pick up a first down.
The first quarter ended with the score at Kansas City 0, Los Angeles Rams 3; it had been a low-scoring game so far, and we would see what happened in the second quarter of a match defined by strong defense.
The Rams finally put 3 points on the board and took the lead; unable to reach the end zone, they stalled deep in the red zone. Now Kansas would look to tie the game in the closing stages of the first quarter.
The Rams were making solid progress on their second offensive series and looking to put points on the board with quick passes; they had reached the red zone and looked aggressive on the field—a great first quarter.
Likewise, Kansas City had to give the ball back very quickly; the defenses were doing a great job of making quick stops and recovering possession. It had been an intense start to the game, but we remained scoreless.
Kansas City was already at midfield, playing aggressively and opening with runs that yielded solid gains; it was a great start for the home team in this first quarter, while the Rams were struggling a bit on defense.
The Rams opened their offensive series with three failed plays and quickly had to punt; possession went to Kansas City, who started with good field position—we would see how the home team began their game.
The first quarter of the game was underway; the Rams had the opening possession, and we would see if they could put points on the board right away as they looked to move the chains and do some damage on their first drive.
Everything was set for the start of the game; players from both teams were ready and awaiting the signal for the coin toss on the field, followed by the opening kickoff to begin the first quarter here at Arrowhead Stadium.
The players finished warming up and headed back to their locker rooms to receive final instructions from their coaches before returning to the field for the start of the first quarter of this NFL preseason game; the fans were eager for kickoff.
The players from both teams were already taking the field and getting ready; we were drawing ever closer to the start of this preseason game, and in just a few minutes, we would know which players would be inactive.
There was a great turnout at Arrowhead Stadium; fans continued to arrive, and the venue was already nearly half full. A near-capacity crowd was expected by kickoff. The players were minutes away from taking the field, while others were interacting with fans.
The players from both sides were already at the stadium, preparing in their locker rooms to take the field for warm-ups in just a few minutes and get ready for the opening kickoff of this major preseason matchup.
Fans were gradually arriving at Arrowhead Stadium for this preseason game; there was a much larger Kansas City contingent since they were the home team, but a significant number of Rams fans were present as well. The players were about to arrive at the stadium and head to their locker rooms.
In just a few moments, we would share the initial details of the real-time matchup—Week 1 of the NFL preseason—along with the latest updates from Arrowhead Stadium. Follow every detail of the game right here on VAVEL.
In addition to this game, that Saturday featured matchups between the Bills and Panthers, Chicago and Cleveland, the Giants and Vikings, the Saints and Jaguars, the Ravens and Eagles, and finally Dallas versus Seattle; these were the games scheduled for that Saturday as the first week of the NFL preseason concluded.
It is the home of the Kansas City team and one of the NFL's premier stadiums; with a capacity of 76,000 spectators and an opening date of August 12, 1972, it hosted this major matchup. A near-capacity crowd was expected, given the return of the NFL for the preseason—undoubtedly a magnificent stadium for a great football game.
Kansas City was expected to enter this game as the favorite, given how significantly they had strengthened their roster; they aimed to put important points on the board right from their opening offensive series. A thrilling matchup awaited at the Chiefs' home stadium as the NFL returned for the preseason—here were the keys to this big football game.
Neither team had any injured or suspended players, so they had full squads and their best players available for the following day if they chose; it remained to be seen whether they would field their stars or rest them to avoid potential injuries. A great American football game awaited us that Saturday.
History favored Kansas City; in their seven previous meetings, the Chiefs had won four games and the Rams three. Consequently, the home team entered the next day's preseason opener as the favorite to win. Undoubtedly, a thrilling, high-scoring matchup awaited us.
For their part, the Rams faced Kansas City aiming to get their preseason off to the best possible start; it remained to be seen whether they would field their starters or give their draft picks their first taste of action. This was how the two teams headed into the matchup—taking place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City—which promised plenty of intensity, scoring, and excitement.
Kansas City kicked off its preseason by facing the Rams—a game where they aimed to test their draft picks. Patrick Mahomes did not see action, as he continued his recovery following knee surgery; we saw which players could step up and vie for a spot on the first team ahead of the regular season. That was how the Kansas City Chiefs headed into this big matchup.