Updated
Updated · Arrowhead Pride · Aug 23
Chiefs Rookies Flash in 16-15 Loss as Butker Drills 69-Yard Field Goal
Updated
Updated · Arrowhead Pride · Aug 23

Chiefs Rookies Flash in 16-15 Loss as Butker Drills 69-Yard Field Goal

3 articles · Updated · Arrowhead Pride · Aug 23

Summary

  • Kansas City fell to 0-2 in the preseason with a 16-15 loss to Tampa Bay, but rookie defenders Mansoor Delane and R Mason Thomas stood out by blowing up back-to-back screen plays.
  • Those flashes fit the Chiefs’ draft plan for more speed and athleticism up front, and the defense again delivered in a low-scoring game, holding firm for most of the first three quarters.
  • 9-0 was the Chiefs’ halftime lead after three Harrison Butker field goals, including a 69-yarder, before Tampa Bay rallied; rookie Emmett Johnson scored Kansas City’s only touchdown and first of the preseason.
  • 6 catches for 51 yards made Jalen Royals Kansas City’s top receiver, while right tackle concerns grew after Kahlil Benson was flagged for a false start and later allowed a strip sack.
  • Patrick Mahomes, still out this preseason after ACL surgery, said he wanted to play against Tampa Bay and is extremely confident he will be ready for Week 1 if there are no setbacks.

Insights

Could a backup tackle's preseason nightmare derail Patrick Mahomes' highly anticipated return from ACL surgery?
Are Kansas City's unheralded rookie defenders the secret weapon to surviving their bizarre offensive slump?