What we learned from Kansas City Chiefs in preseason loss against New Orleans Saints
There were two overwhelming positives from the Kansas City Chiefs starters following the team’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome:
One, the team appeared to avoid injuries, and two, none of what happened counts for the regular season.
Those caveats aside ... it was a mostly uninspiring performance for the Chiefs’ first-teamers in a 26-24 loss where the Saints jumped out to a two-touchdown first-quarter lead.
KC’s top defenders failed to stop New Orleans on two possessions. Meanwhile, the Chiefs went scoreless in their only drive with quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the field, stalling on a fourth-down sneak attempt by tight end Blake Bell.
The Chiefs’ backups provided some nice moments after that. Receiver Richie James caught a deep pass and later pulled in a one-yard touchdown pass from QB Blaine Gabbert. Receiver Justyn Ross — playing his first football game in nearly two years following injury — held tight for a 15-yard touchdown pass over the middle in the third quarter as he looked to secure a roster spot.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Kahlef Hailassie — out of Western Kentucky — might’ve had the best day. He jumped high on the sideline for a two-handed interception, making the top catch of any Chiefs player on this particular day.
Also worth noting: The Chiefs scripted some early work for running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and said before the game that he planned to have dozens of family members and friends in attendance.
Edwards-Helaire touched the ball on the Chiefs’ first four plays, finishing with three carries for seven yards and two catches for 15 yards.
KC will play its second preseason game at 7 p.m. Central Saturday on the road against the Arizona Cardinals.
