Chiefs-Lions: 10 winners, 3 losers from Kansas City’s preseason loss

It’s the preseason, so the ultimate rating of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ 24-23 house loss to the Detroit Lions doesn’t matter.

The Chiefs’ starters didn’t play lengthy — and a number of other of their vital gamers have been lacking with accidents. In the meantime, the Lions’ starters didn’t play in any respect.

Nonetheless, there have been a couple of moments throughout Saturday afternoon’s recreation that we received’t quickly overlook. There have been additionally a few gamers we hope to overlook in the event that they don’t make the roster.

Right here have been a number of the Kansas Metropolis gamers who stood out earlier than Detroit received on a last-second discipline purpose.

Winners

Punter Matt Araiza: The ability within the Punt God’s leg has by no means been in query — and on Saturday, he continued to growth kicks downfield. However his means to goal directional kicks (or apply the correct quantity of contact) has been open to query. Properly… Araiza had six alternatives in opposition to the Lions. He made probably the most of every one. The gap was nonetheless there, However his kicks had extra hangtime — and was in a position to pin the Lions at or close to the 10-yard line on 4 events. Particular groups coordinator Dave Toub should be happy with Araiza’s improvement.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: It lastly occurred: the two-time MVP’s long-anticipated behind-the-back move. Mahomes introduced it out on a throw to tight finish Travis Kelce to transform a 3rd down. However his most memorable play of the preseason may not even have been Mahomes’ better of the sport. Properly forward of the season opener, the quarterback demonstrated he’s dialed in — as famous by Arrowhead Delight’s lead analyst Ron Kopp.

Working again Deneric Prince: To this point in 2024, final yr’s preseason star has been overshadowed by the rise of undrafted operating again Carson Steele. However Prince received’t go onto the observe squad with no battle. Whereas his 41-yard run was superbly blocked, it additionally displayed some explosive means the staff wants in its backfield.

Large receiver Xavier Worthy: The primary-round choose was excellent on Saturday, scoring his first NFL landing. Watching that play reveals the convenience with which this speedy rookie can win. He’s not only a quick man. He can speed up, lower at full velocity and monitor the ball within the air. Worthy would possibly single-handedly change this offense into one we haven’t seen since 2018.

Defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner: Every of those younger gamers confirmed their versatility — and the power to be enforcers. They mixed for 11 tackles that included some jarring hits. Throughout his first coaching camp, Hicks has been in all places; he may instantly fill a number of roles for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Then there’s Conner. As a slot defender who could make performs there — whereas taking the strain off a cornerback group that is likely to be just a little shorthanded — he is likely to be one of many secondary’s most essential gamers.

Cornerbacks Kelvin Joseph and Keith Taylor: Talking of cornerback depth, two bubble gamers from that room additionally stood out. Joseph had six tackles — together with an enormous one on particular groups. Taylor grabbed the sport’s solely interception. Be careful for these two because the preseason wraps up. Every could possibly be amongst these rounding out the preliminary 53-man roster.

Defensive finish Truman Jones: EDGE is a place that many Chiefs followers discover worrisome. Kansas Metropolis’s move rush wasn’t nice in opposition to Detroit, however the different Jones on the defensive position performed like a person who deserves an extended look. He ended the sport with half a sack, a sort out for loss and a recovered fumble.

Large receiver Cornell Powell: Positive, it was only one play — however it was fairly spectacular. A forgotten man within the Chiefs’ crowded huge receiver room, Powell snatched a contested move out of the air earlier than breaking a number of tackles throughout a 64-yard landing play.

Losers

Quarterback Ian Guide: It was a tough outing for the previous Notre Dame quarterback. On back-to-back performs in a single drive, he took a sack and fumbled twice. In the meantime, Chris Oladokun accomplished six passes on seven makes an attempt with a landing. It might appear that the competitors for observe squad quarterback is over — if there ever was one.

Working again Emani Bailey: It wasn’t one particular factor — however on Saturday, Bailey simply didn’t appear to be he belongs on an NFL discipline. His two carries netted no yards. That offers him 4 carries for six yards over two preseason video games.

Large receiver Kadarius Toney: On his very first snap of the preseason, Toney dedicated two penalties (unlawful formation and holding). Whereas he did have a punt return for seven yards, his one catch misplaced 4 yards. He was taking part in deep right into a preseason recreation with the third staff. In camp, coaches tried him at operating again in camp — and he’s not among the many prime two punt or kick returners. It looks like Toney may not make the staff’s 2024 roster.