Tonight, we finally get to move past the last game the Kansas City Chiefs played in February. With the preseason starting, the Chiefs will experience their first live game action. After competing against each other in practice, they finally get to face an opponent. So, what can we expect tonight?
The Kansas City Chiefs finally get back on the field. Following a disastrous Super Bowl appearance, this entire organization has been motivated, focused, and ready to silence all the naysayers who believe their dynasty has ended.
I have news for everyone! That’s a pipe dream for non-believers and haters of the Chiefs. So, we get our first glimpse of the 2025 roster. Although the starters on offense and defense won’t play more than a series or two, this game is about balancing the depth behind them.
Of course, all eyes will be on rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, who has taken every snap in practice. How he has recovered from his patellar tendon surgery is nothing short of remarkable. Now he gets to test that leg against a tough Arizona Cardinals pass rush.
It will be interesting to see the rookies and some talented players hoping to make the roster perform when their number is called. The 2025 draft class is just as good as the 2022 class, which has managed to deliver in three straight Super Bowl appearances.
Now the new crop will be in the field, and this is their chance to back my claim. Still, each of the draft picks is a lock to make the roster, but I still want to see how quickly they can shed their college mindset.
Apart from the draft picks, the Chiefs have several players I am eager to see.
Left Tackle Esa Pole was undrafted, and although he’s probably a practice squad candidate, I believe he has a chance to become a starter at right tackle within the next year or two. Although he’s on the third team and a backup to Wanya Morris, I think with a strong showing, he could move up to the backup spot behind Simmons.
The receivers will be an interesting group to watch. Although we’ve discussed many of them in camp, Elijah Badger has caught my attention—another undrafted gem from General Manager Brett Veach. I observed him during camp, and I found his route running and steady hands to be qualities that could benefit the Chiefs’ offense. He probably won’t see the field until the second half, but I like his potential.
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew might be the best Patrick Mahomes understudy during his time as a starter. The former Las Vegas Raider has a similar mindset as Mahomes, and although there may be a drop-off if he has to start, I’m confident he can run the offense effectively. It’ll be interesting to see if he follows the offensive mantra about throwing the deep ball.
I defensively discussed linebacker Brandon George yesterday. He should make the roster, and long-term, he could be a starter, especially if the Chiefs don’t re-sign Leo Chenal in 2026. He has all the attributes you want in a playmaker.
Undrafted free agent safety Glendon Miller is another player I like as a potential wild card to make the roster. He has veteran Mike Edwards ahead of him, but the Chiefs keep at least five safeties. It’ll be interesting to see what he can do in the second half.
Overall, you can expect a basic offense, but Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be more aggressive with some of his new defensive players. I suspect you might see some blitz packages to challenge his defense once the starters are out of the game.
Either way, no matter what we see tonight, football is back!
