The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 in Week 18, completing the 2023 NFL season with an 11-6 overall record. 

This game saw a number of backup players featured on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. It provided a glimpse into the team's future, with some impressive performances against the Chargers' starting players. What exactly did the evaluators in Kansas City learn on Sunday afternoon?

Here’s a look at how the snaps came down in Week 18 followed by some takeaways:

Chiefs' edge rusher depth shines bright

One area that was among the most impressive for Kansas City was their edge rusher group.

Third-year edge rusher Malik Herring looks like he's finally put things together in the NFL. He's been a healthy scratch practically all season for the Chiefs. Still, he took over the final defensive series of the game, resulting in multiple pressures, including a sack on Chargers QB Easton Stick. He could be someone who helps offset the loss of Mike Danna, who is due for a big contract in free agency this offseason.

Of backup edge rushers, only Herring (3) had more pressure than first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah (2). He was a bit late off the ball, which is surprising given his proficiency rushing the passer at Kansas State. A surprise: Anudike-Uzomah had three defensive stops, the most among edge rushers/defensive linemen. Perhaps, in his first career start, the rookie was thinking a little bit too much about assignment. That should change with more and more repetitions.

Fifth-round draft pick, BJ Thompson, flashed the athletic traits that made him such an intriguing prospect coming out Stephen F. Austin. He still needs to fill out his frame, but he showed exactly the type of progress you'd like to see from a developmental edge rusher.

Neil Farrell Jr. and Cam Jones could be contributors

The Chiefs' early-season trade acquisition, former Raiders Neil Farrell Jr., played 13 defensive snaps in Week 18. He finished with the second-highest defensive grade according to PFF, recording a tackle, a pass batted, and a defensive stop. He did a good job on his seven pass-rushing snaps, too. He looked a little like former Texans and Patriots DT Vince Wilfork out there.

2023 UDFA LB Cam Jones is one of the players who made the absolute most out of his opportunity in Week 18. No defender had more tackles (10) and stops (4). A downside to that: As a result of him being all over the field, he also led the team in missed tackles with three.

Both players showed that they have the chops to be contributors on the defensive side of the ball in 2024. 

One offensive player stood out above the rest

The defense won't get all the shine here. 

With an injury to Justyn Ross during the game and several other wide receivers not playing in Week 18, Mecole Hardman played 100% of the offensive snaps for the Chiefs. He was targeted 11 times by Blaine Gabbert and produced six catches (both the most of any receiver). His 77 yards also led all receivers and his 37-yard reception was the longest reception on the day.

The timing of the receptions was also key as well. Hardman helped the Chiefs convert on third down on three separate occasions. 

Given how inconsistent the receiver group has been in Kansas City this season, this is a development that should give the Chiefs some confidence to play Hardman more often during the postseason. Next to Rashee Rice, he could well be the team's next-best weapon at the receiver position. 

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