Key takeaways from first half of Chiefs vs. Cardinals
The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a much better start in preseason Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. Things didn't go great against the New Orleans Saints in preseason Week 1, but the team has kicked things up a notch in their second game of the year. They are certainly playing with better urgency, […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a much better start in preseason Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Things didn't go great against the New Orleans Saints in preseason Week 1, but the team has kicked things up a notch in their second game of the year. They are certainly playing with better urgency, which Patrick Mahomes was hoping to see.
The Chiefs' first-team offense started off with some hiccups, but they quickly settled into the game. They got scores with both Mahomes and Shane Buechele at quarterback with the first-team unit. The starting defense pitched a shutout in the first half, but the second team failed on a goal-line stand in the second half. All-in-all, they lead 17-7 at the half and the Cards get the ball to start things off after the break.
With all of that in mind, here are a few quick takeaways from the first half of play:
Drops continue for Rashee Rice
For the second consecutive week, Chiefs rookie WR Rashee Rice has struggled with dropped passes. He was Patrick Mahomes' first target of the day on a quick slant and he failed to look the ball in. Maybe it's rookie nerves, getting an opportunity with the first team unit in a live game, but he needs to start making those plays if he's to become a trusted member of the offense.
He did look a lot sharper as the game went on and even linked up with his former college teammate, Shane Buechele, for a 38-yard reception.
Penalty woes for Chiefs' offense
If drops didn't do the trick, offensive penalties on consecutive drives really sunk the Chiefs' offense. It's not super concerning, because this is the time of the year when you are able to work those things out. However, when the coaches and players were looking for better effort and energy from those first-team units, I'm not sure that the drops are what you want to see if you're the coaching staff.
Craig Wrolstad also called 11 penalties in the first half alone. That's a stark reminder that it's the preseason for the referees as well.
Intriguing new personnel developments
The Chiefs changed some things up in preseason Week 2 as they look to finalize their decisions with 53-man roster cuts coming in just 10 days.
- Both Matt Dickerson and Keondre Coburn got run with the first-team defense as the team's three-technique.
- Joshua Williams was starting at the outside corner spot over Jaylen Watson in base and sub-package looks.
- Richie James is now the team's starting punt returner AND kick returner. The latter role was previously held by Deneric Prince.
- Chamarri Conner earned some repetitions as the team's starting nickel corner in sub-package defense.
- Justyn Ross got some reps with the first-team offense, notching a drop and a 12-yard reception.
- Shane Buechle replaced Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter, not Blaine Gabbert. And he got snaps with the first-team offense.
- La'Mical Perine was the third player to get touches at running back, not Deneric Prince.
These Chiefs players are not expected to play in preseason Week 2
The Kansas City Chiefs could be missing 10 players from the 90-man roster as they face the Arizona Cardinals in preseason Week 2.
Featured image via Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
