Key takeaways from first half of Chiefs vs. Saints
Thank goodness it's the preseason because the Kansas City Chiefs' first half against the New Orleans Saints was quite underwhelming. The Chiefs' first-team offense and first-team defense fizzled in their first appearances of the year, with some notable and familiar struggles rearing their ugly heads. It took some time for the second-team offense and second-team […]
Thank goodness it's the preseason because the Kansas City Chiefs' first half against the New Orleans Saints was quite underwhelming.
The Chiefs' first-team offense and first-team defense fizzled in their first appearances of the year, with some notable and familiar struggles rearing their ugly heads. It took some time for the second-team offense and second-team defense to get settled in and things are looking slightly better for the good guys. Right now, they're down to the Saints 17-7 and they'll receive the second-half kickoff.
With all of that in mind, here are a few quick takeaways from the first half of play:
Blake Bell's sneak is predictable
The Chiefs have hesitated to use Patrick Mahomes on quarterback sneak since he dislocated his kneecap against the Broncos in 2019. How they've replaced the high-percentile play – they have former Oklahoma quarterback-turned-tight-end Blake Bell run it in those situations.
The problem: It hasn't worked in a while.
The Chiefs even tried to dress the play up with Patrick Mahomes acting like he's confused and motioning to the sideline for a play call. No matter how much pageantry you use, the defense knows that play is coming. It's particularly ineffective against a defense featuring former players like Tyrann Mathieu and Khalen Saunders.
Andy Reid isn't going to empty his bag in the preseason, but they desperately need a variation of this play for the 2023 NFL season that is going to work. A suggestion from a reader — fake the sneak with Bell under center and have him toss the ball to the running back.
The defense needs Chris Jones (but we already knew that)
During the pre-game commentary on NFL Network, analyst Steve Mariucci called Chris Jones, "The Patrick Mahomes of the defense." In some senses, he's right about that. Jones is the best player on the defense and they've also built it around him.
The defensive performance (for the most part) in this game, is just more proof of how much they need him. The first-team interior defensive line didn't have anyone who could win one-on-one on a snap-to-snap basis. Jones' absence was noticeable with the players around him as well, given that they simply weren't as effective as they've been when he's on the field
All of that said, this game won't change much in terms of contract negotiations. Kansas City is not going to suddenly shell out more cash because of what happened in a preseason game. They might be a bit more eager to come to the table, but they're going to continue to negotiate and hope they can come to an amicable agreement.
Joshua Williams looks a lot more comfortable on an island
If there was one positive development for the first-team defense in that first quarter, second-year cornerback Joshua Williams looked very good in single coverage. He looked way more comfortable on an island than he did a season ago.
He had one great play in the red zone while covering Saints WR Michael Thomas. It was a sideline fade and exactly the type of play that Williams struggled with a season ago. This year, he handled the physicality of Thomas with ease and located the football to force an incomplete pass.
Blaine Gabbert, Richie James highlight bright spots on offense
Blaine Gabbert and Richie James were really the most notable bright spots for the Chiefs' offense in the first half. The two connected for the longest reception of the day on a 43-yard All-Go special. They followed it up two plays later with a one-yard touchdown for the only touchdown of the first half.
Overall, Gabbert looked comfortable commanding a new offense. He looks like someone who can easily come in off the bench and do just enough to win a game as Chad Henne could.
James also looks as advertised. A crafty and reliable slot receiver who can convert a high percentage of his targets.
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Featured image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
