Arrowhead Pride
Your Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their preseason at Arrowhead, and it was about as good as you could ask for in a loss. The first team offense was sharp, new guys got valuable reps and they avoided injuries.
The Chiefs’ goal this season is to protect Patrick Mahomes better and take more shots down the field, bringing the fun back to the offense. Well, the mission was accomplished in the first quarter. The first team put up 193 yards and 10 points. The defense tackled well, pressured the passer and got off the field.
It was a perfect tune-up for the first team, but the final preseason is just as much about those long shots trying to make a roster. Here are a few who stood out on Friday night in Kansas City:
Left guard Kingsley Suamataia and left tackle Josh Simmons: The biggest offseason question may have been answered in the best possible way. Simmons has dominated the offseason headlines by not only being ahead of schedule but also by taking the blindside position from day one. He looks like a natural — a guy who could change this line for the foreseeable future. Then the attention turned to second-year man Kingsley Suamataia, the presumed successor to Joe Thuney. The new-look Chiefs offensive line was dominant against the Bears’ starters. With all eyes on the left side, the future looks bright for the big guys upfront.
Running back Isiah Pacheco: There was a lot of chatter about the Chiefs wanting an upgrade at the running back position. But Isiah Pacheco isn’t hearing any of that: he’s running hard and scoring touchdowns. Given what we’ve seen so far, it could be a big season for Pacheco.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: The Chiefs’ offense seems to always have that tall, fast guy who gets open. But this year, they seem to have one that tracks the ball and makes catches. Thornton looks the part. As a bonus, he also drew a pass interference flag — a rarity for Chiefs receivers. Write his name in pen on your 53-man rosters, folks.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice: Social media was all abuzz when Mahomes hit Rice on the perfectly executed back-shoulder touchdown catch. Sure, deep passes are fun, but if these guys can consistently execute the back-shoulder throw, they’ll be unstoppable. Rice also did what he always does and took a short pass and turned it into a longer gain.
Safety Jaden Hicks: The new leader of the Chiefs’ safety room was all over the place against the Bears. Hicks made plays in coverage and was an enforcer as a tackler. The team hasn’t felt the need to add much at safety this offseason, so a lot is riding on Hicks. He seems up for the challenge.
Wide receiver Jimmy Holiday: He only had one catch, but it was a 50-yard reception as he got behind the defense and brought it in on the sideline. However, undrafted rookies must also show...
