For Pete's Sake

Should Blaine Gabbert or Shane Buechele be Chiefs’ backup QB? Here’s what fans say

Aug 19, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (12) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (12) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY NETWORK

Chiefs fans believe the team has a quarterback battle brewing.

Naturally, Patrick Mahomes is the starter. But who should be QB2 on the depth chart, Blaine Gabbert or Shane Buechele?

Gabbert, who is in his 12th NFL season after starring at the University of Missouri, played in the third quarter of Saturday’s 38-10 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals.

His quarterback rating was a perfect 158.3. Gabbert threw touchdown passes to receivers Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Cornell Powell while completing seven of his eight throws for 120 yards.

Buechele, who is in his third NFL season, took over for Mahomes in the first half and completed all 10 of his pass attempts for 105 yards. He also had a 15-yard touchdown run.

If history is a guide, Chiefs coach Andy Reid likes to have a seasoned veteran as the No. 2 quarterback. That would seem to favor Gabbert, who is listed second on the Chiefs’ depth chart. But many fans aren’t so sure Buechele shouldn’t be the backup.

Here is a sample of what fans were saying about the Chiefs backup quarterback on X (nee Twitter).

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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