Chiefs report card after another loss: Thank goodness the preseason is over
The Chiefs fell to the Chicago Bears 34-21 and finished winless (0-3) in the preseason for the first time since 2011.
In Thursday’s game that matched mostly reserves at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs didn’t do much on either side of the ball with starting quarterback Chris Oladokun throwing a pair of interceptions.
KC STAR OF THE GAME
Rookie safety Jaden Hicks came up with several big plays, including a recovery of a fumbled punt, tackle for loss and pass breakup. He’s poised to become the Chiefs’ top newcomer on defense.
Next: As Super Bowl champion, the Chiefs open the regular season with the NFL’s first game, Sept. 5, against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The game, on NBC (Ch. 41) is set to kick off at 7:20 p.m.
REPORT CARD
Passing offense: D
A turnover set up the Chiefs at the Bears’ 9-yard line in the second quarter. But two plays later, Oladokun threw into coverage for the interception at the goal line. The ball was intended for rookie tight end Jared Wiley, who was covered. But Oladokun never looked in another direction.
His second interception was more costly. An attempt to Mecole Hardman on the sideline became a pick-six just before halftime. Fourth-team quarterback Ian Book teamed up with Cornell Powell on a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Book and Montrell Washington hooked up on a 49-yard gain in the final minutes to set up a 10-yard Book-to-Baylor Cupp touchdown.
Rushing offense: B
Once again, Carson Steele was the story. The only first-half bright spot for the Chiefs offense was the series when only Steele got a carry. Three plays covered 51 yards, including a tackle-breaking 31-yarder, followed by his 1-yard touchdown.
Otherwise, not a great night for the run game. The Chiefs got bruised twice on one play. Fourth-and-1 from the Bears’ 43, and Deneric Prince lost 3 yards. On the play, tackle Wayna Morris injured his knee and was lost for the game. Keaontay Ingram ran hard in his few attempts and averaged 6.5 yards per carry.
Passing defense: D
The first series was a disaster. The Chiefs got burned on a deep ball and committed three defensive holding penalties (two by Kelvin Joseph). For the night, three Bears quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams (Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien and Austin Reid) combined for 226 yards.
Rushing defense: D
Derrick Nnadi saw his first game action of the preseason, as did cornerback Jaylen Watson. They were part of a lackluster effort for KC. Defensively, the Chiefs were gashed for 392 total yards, including 166 on the ground.
Special teams: B
The Chiefs broke in a new long snapper, Randen Plattner of Kansas State and Park Hill High. James Winchester is expected back for the opener.
Harrison Butker had the leg for a 59-yard field goal but pushed it right. The Chiefs had plenty of kickoff return opportunities, and Hardman had the best one at 43 yards. Kickoff and punt coverage was solid, and the Chiefs recovered a fumbled punt.
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 10:39 PM.