The Chiefs’ starters outscored the Arizona Cardinals. But the reserves flipped the game into a 20-17 Cardinals victory in the preseason opener.
It’s back to training camp at Missouri Western for the Chiefs. They’ll work out in St. Joseph Monday through Wednesday before closing the camp curtain.
Next: The Chiefs’ second preseason game is Friday at the Seattle Seahawks. The game kicks off at 9 p.m. Central and will be televised by KSHB (Channel 41).
KC Star of the Game
Chris Roland-Wallace excelled from the first moment when he recovered the opening kickoff fumble. In the third quarter, Roland-Wallace, playing deep, came up with the team’s second interception of the game. He played cornerback last year but is seeing more safety this season.
Chiefs vs. Cardinals report card
Passing offense: B
The Chiefs scored touchdowns on drives from Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, but plenty of breakdowns happened when Bailey Zappe took over.
The Chiefs were without injured Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy got only a few snaps. But the wide receiver group is deeper than last year and Jason Brownlee, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals made big plays. Tight end Robert Tonyan carried his excellent training camp into this game with three receptions for 49 yards. The Chiefs have to find a roster spot for him.
Rushing offense: B
In the first half, Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Carson Steele combined for 35 yards on six carries. The Chiefs trailed most of the second half and rookie Brashard Smith didn’t get many looks.
Passing defense: D
Interceptions by Jalen Hicks and Roland-Wallace were the highlights. Janarius Robinson got the Chiefs’ lone sack. The Cardinals got a long touchdown on a screen, catching the Chiefs in a blitz. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett put up 81 yards, taking advantage of soft coverage.
Rushing defense: D
The Cardinals finished with 140 yards on the ground, — too many, even against reserves. Rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa was active with six tackles.
Special teams: A
Good stuff all around.
Jack Cochrane’s hit caused the opening kickoff fumble, and the Chiefs almost repeated the moment on the next kickoff. Punter Matt Araiza boomed a 67 yards punt. Kicker Harrison Butker was good from 58 yards. Nikko Remigio went 48 yards on a kick return. Rookie Nohl Williams turned in a stellar punt coverage tackle.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub would take this performance every week.