The Kansas City Chiefs lost another bizarre exhibition game after their kicker, Harrison Butker, made a 69-yard field goal to end the first half. However, it was the four points he left on the field that mattered, as Tampa Bay defeated the Chiefs 16-15.
It’s hard to understand why the Kansas City Chiefs can’t win preseason games. They are a good football team and had plenty of chances, but they find ways to lose. Though it’s not concerning, another defeat sits on the ledger.
For Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes didn’t play but was interviewed during the game. He is trending to start the regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos. Backup Justin Fields started the game, and I must be honest: so far, he’s not much of a fit for the Chiefs’ offense.
The star quarterback of the night and of the preseason, Garrett Nussmeier, continues his solid play for the Chiefs. Though he’ll start the season third on the depth chart, he’s better than Fields.
He’s led the Chiefs to the only touchdown drives of the preseason. He had one score called back last week against the Los Angeles Rams, but delivered the goods in the third quarter, giving Kansas City the lead.
There were encouraging signs for the offense, and the defense played well enough, especially the pass rushers. R Mason Thomas is a heat-seeking missile and a former first-round pick. Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a devastating sack on Bucs quarterback Jake Browning. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa was outstanding, and his speed is a valuable asset for the Chiefs defense.
Top pick Cornerback Mansoor Delane showed advanced chops in pass coverage and support. He’s smart, talented, and understands the value of attacking the football. He surprised me a little, considering he was injured for much of camp.
Two players stood out on offense: second-year receiver Jaylon Royals, who caught everything thrown to him, and tight end Briningstool. Both caught passes from all three quarterbacks and made a strong case through camp and two preseason games that they need to be on the 53-man roster.
For Briningstool, he’s competing with Jared Wiley for the third tight end spot, but he had two holding penalties, one negating an extra point and the other a potential first down. At this stage, Briningstool made a key block on Emmitt Johnson’s touchdown run and a big catch to set it up, making him the better of the two players.
As for the star Harrison Butker, his 69-yard field goal would have set an NFL record – had it been a regular-season game – but he missed an extra point and a 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
All I can say is KICKERS!
You either love them or hate them. In his defense, on both of his final two misses, his leg plant was off, and that’s a correctable issue, so I don’t have any concerns about him being fine to start the season.
Still, he’s been the Chiefs’ offense in two exhibition games, and all the kicks he can get in the warm-up games are better.
Head Coach Andy Reid can’t be happy with the penalties, but he has to be impressed by his rookie draft class. Though we didn’t see much from Peter Woods, the rest of the class was outstanding.
From top to bottom, they each made plays in the game, and the 26 class is the key to the Chiefs having a successful season. With so much roster turnover from last season, this class will get every opportunity to be an integral part on both sides of the ball.
All in all, it’s a meaningless loss, and there were enough bright spots to outweigh the final score.
Next up, the Chiefs host the Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, next Friday in their final tune-up. We might see Mahomes for a series, but numerous starters will sit this one out.
After that, the Chiefs need to start trimming the roster to get down to the league-mandated 53 players.
