The last time the Kansas City Chiefs had a home game was a bitter-cold evening that would launch them on their Super Bowl run. The opposite will happen on Saturday afternoon when the champs return home to their fans and a wild season of expectations.
When the Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2023 home opener, the up-and-coming Detroit Lions stood in their way of a victory Thursday. Instead, they handed the Chiefs a 21-20 loss that saw the offense collapse, passes dropped, and a crumbling crowd of disappointment creeps into the organization.
It was a bad loss that could have been prevented. Yet, that loss and the several that would follow, also defined the Chiefs 2023 season. They knew, especially on offense, it was going to be a grind and eventually they’d figure it out. Luckily they did, and the Super Bowl champions are back home to face the Lions in their second preseason game.
The Chiefs generally don’t consider exhibition games significant, but their loss to the Lions a year ago certainly left a sour taste in their mouths. This likely serves as motivation and a reminder of the offense’s struggles a year ago.
The Chiefs’ offense has been revamped and improved and will undoubtedly be better than the 2023 version. However, in their first preseason game, they did very little right on offense, and the starters were on the bench for nearly the entire game.
Later today, Head Coach Andy Reid expects the starters to play the first half, which will be an excellent test to see if the new pieces of their roster are a good fit. After all, based on what we saw in training camp, it’s likely that ‘Air Mahomes’ is itching to throw the ball down the field.
The team focused on taking what the defense gave them but also looking for the big play again, which was a staple of Mahomes in the Tyreek Hill era. Even though the Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl Champions, the offense has been inconsistent.
Still, no team in the AFC or the NFC in two years could best them in the postseason. Some came close, but they didn’t have Mahomes.
As the team runs out of the tunnel for the first time this season, we should all be reminded that we are amid a dynasty reaching unprecedented levels in Kansas City. The Chiefs are the best team in the NFL, and it’s not even close compared to the other 31 teams.
Yet, today’s game is a stepping stone to chasing history. The Lions have a legitimate shot at becoming the NFC Champions this season. The Chiefs have an even better chance, but their summer clash today does allow for some bragging rights and revenge.
Despite Hollywood Brown’s injury, I suspect the offense will be ready for the challenge today and eager to show off their new toys in front of the home crowd.
Final Score: Chiefs 31 – Lions 16
