A preseason primer: Chiefs open exhibition schedule on Aug. 9 at Saints
The Chiefs are about a week away from giving us our first look at their retooled roster, an overhauled unit that features a new quarterback in Alex Smith, new number one overall draft pick in offensive lineman Eric Fisher and a new head coach in Andy Reid.
Here’s a look at the Chiefs’ preseason opener, plus their three exhibition contests that follow:
CHIEFS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTSWhen:7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Why you should watch:Well, first off, it’s the Chiefs’ preseason opener. Isn’t that reason enough to tune in? No? You need more? How about this: Former Mizzou star Chase Daniel spent his first several years in the league with the Saints, and now backs up Alex Smith here in Kansas City. We’re looking forward to seeing him get at least a couple of series against his old teammates in the Big Easy.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers at CHIEFS7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Why you should watch:Similar storyline as above, with a couple of added twists. First off, this one features Smith, the Chiefs’ new quarterback, playing against the team that benched him following a head injury in favor of Collin Kaepernick, who then proceeded to lead the Niners to the Super Bowl (and hasten Smith’s exit from the Bay Area). Second, this is the Chiefs’ home preseason opener. That’s right: football returns to Arrowhead on this night!
CHIEFS at PITTSBURGH STEELERSWhen:6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Why you should watch:This game will be followed by teams’ first roster paredowns, from 90 players down to 75, so a lot of guys will be playing for their jobs. Sure, you might have a hard time remembering some of their names, but football doesn’t get any more real than that. Our main intrigue regarding this game, however, is getting a look at former Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, who was fired by Clark Hunt during the 2011 season and replaced by Romeo Crennel. Will Haley, now Mike Tomlin’s offensive coordinator with the Steelers, be getting along with Ben Roethlisberger? Will he wear a clean hat? Tune in and find out.
7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29
Why you should watch:This story was originally published August 1, 2013 at 2:05 PM with the headline "A preseason primer: Chiefs open exhibition schedule on Aug. 9 at Saints."