In preseason finale, Chiefs will address part of game that failed them at Seattle
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs defense focused on improving run defense after 268-yard lapse to Seahawks
- Starters like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton expected to play limited snaps Friday
- Spagnuolo stresses readiness from defensive rotation after poor tackling effort
No tip-toeing around the area that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo most wants to clean up in the team’s final preseason game.
The Chiefs on Friday play host to the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m., and the game will be televised by KSHB (Channel 41).
“I didn’t like the way we played against the run,” Spagnuolo said of the team’s 33-16 loss at the Seattle Seahawks last Friday. “They were running right at us. I give their staff a lot of credit. I’m just not sure we were ready for that.
“Shame on us.”
Look for the Chiefs to emphasize run defense in the team’s only preseason home game on Friday evening. Head coach Andy Reid said he’s going to open the game with much the same lineup he’ll use in the Chiefs’ regular-season opener in Brazil.
On defense, that means lineman Chris Jones, linebacker Nick Bolton and cornerback Trent McDuffie should get a series or two after not playing at all last week.
“We all recognized we didn’t have everybody out there,” Spagnuolo said. “But like I said to them in the meeting right after the game, Chris (Jones) can’t play every play. We rotate guys. What happens if a guy gets nicked up? Those guys are expected to stand up and play better than we did.”
No matter who was on the field for the Chiefs, the Seahawks found success early and often. In the first quarter, Seattle rushed for 114 yards on 11 carries. The hosts ran for a total of 268 yards in the game, averaging a healthy 5.6 yards per carry.
In all, the Seahawks amassed 477 yards against the Chiefs.
“The inside, I begin there,” Spagnuolo said. “And then on the perimeter, the tackling wasn’t nearly what we’re used to. I think our secondary tackles as good as anybody’s. They didn’t, in that game. So everybody’s on high alert and hopefully that gets straightened out.”
The Chiefs started Mike Pennel and Terry Tillery at the defensive tackle spots, with George Karlaftis and Mike Danna on the outside. All are part of the rotations at tackle and end. Getting the most snaps at those positions were tackle Marlon Tuipulotu at tackle and rookie Ashton Gillotte at end.
“Obviously, it wasn’t our best game,” Gillotte said. “I think we could just be more physical. When a team runs the ball like that ... you can’t give up 400 some yards of total offense.
“It’s like a reality check and it’s good that it happened now.”
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 1:23 PM.