Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent just a moment on the football field, which he used to honor the late, great Len Dawson with the “chorus” that made the Chiefs famous in the 1960s — the first gesture in what sounds like a season. -long overdue celebration of one of the mainstays of the franchise. Backup Chad Henne appeared for two series, an annual reminder of how lucky Kansas City is to have an MVP starter like Mahomes.
The offense
Ronald Jones had 43 yards on eight carries, one last chance for Jones to shore up his roster spot — or raise his trade value before the final cut to 53 players Tuesday. Jones took advantage of his opportunities with the first-team offensive line, showing that he is a capable NFL running back. it just might not be with the Chiefs. Jones has mostly worked behind Kansas City’s deep offensive lines this preseason, a shortcoming that was evident on fourth-and-1, Isiah Pacheco’s third-quarter touchdown (offensive lineman Roderick Johnson missed the ensuing drive). That said, Pacheco still beat Jones, 52-43. Wide receiver Skyy Moore showed what he’s capable of off the line of scrimmage as he made a run down the left side, but couldn’t bring in the long pass. Green Bay was called for defensive pass interference on the play. Wide receiver Daurice Fountain has flashed some plays — and combined with his ability on special teams, he’s likely locked down the sixth and final wide receiver spot. Top wideouts JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling did not play. Matt Bushman’s 54-yard touchdown reception (along with a touchdown reception from quarterback Shane Buechele) capped a strong preseason for the deep tight end, but it would be hard to see Bushman doing anything else except for the practice group. He also left the game with a shoulder injury. Buechele had a solid night, finishing 11 of 17 for 166 yards and two touchdowns. There was interest from the Arizona Cardinals last year (which led to Buechele’s move to the active roster), so there’s a slight question as to whether the Chiefs would make him available by waiving him again — especially after a night like Thursday.
The defense
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opted to play with first-team personnel throughout the first quarter. That led to something you never want to see in a preseason game: an injury to a starter. During the first quarter, cornerback Trent McDuffie left the game with a concussion. With Rashad Fenton (groin) already sidelined, that meant the top three corners would be L’Jarius Sneed and rookies Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. Williams struggled at times, allowing a couple of catches, committing a third-and-big facemask penalty, throwing an interception and running on a punt. Earlier in the week, Spagnuolo was asked if Williams — who spent much of camp as the starter after starting Fenton on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list — would be the next man up. The defensive coordinator was quick to mention that Watson would also get a chance. We may have learned why on Thursday night — and we also learned that the sooner Fenton and McDuffie get healthy, the better. There’s no need to panic (yet), though, as there are still 17 days until the Week 1 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Beyond the corners, safety Brian Cook had an interception as quarterback Jordan Love made a pass before halftime — but what was more impressive is how Cook was patient in allowing his teammates to set up after grabbing the pass. ball. It didn’t lead to a score, but he showed good presence in the game. Two sure bets to make the team — linebackers Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton — had strong nights in limited reps. Meanwhile, linebacker Darius Harris likely solidified his roster spot with his play. Wharton, defensive end Joshua Kaindoh and cornerback DiCaprio Bootle each had a sack. Safety Deon Bush recorded his second huge hit in as many weeks, but showed some vulnerability on defense — especially on Tyler Goodson’s 24-yard touchdown run. It’s worth noting that another roster hopeful, linebacker Jermaine Carter, was pressed in the same game.
The kick
After hitting 60, 65 and 71 in the pregame, placekicker Harrison Butker was 1-1, making a 44-yard field goal. And with that, the preseason is over. As is always the case after the final preseason game, the regular season can’t come soon enough.
