The World Champion Kansas City Chiefs are in Phoenix to play Arizona Cardinals In NFL prep Week 2. The Chiefs are 0-1 in exhibition action after losing 26-24 to New Orleans Saints In week 1. the cardinals come off with an 18-17 victory over Denver Broncos in the pre-season opener.
First Quarter
Arizona won the opening coin toss, deferring to the second half. The chiefs started with the ball.
The Chiefs’ starting offense came with their third down immediately, after a clean throw by rookie wide receiver Rashi Rice. On third down, wide receiver Justin Watson’s completion was negated by offensive interference. Third opposite and long failed to convert with a screen to running back Jerrick McKinnon. The bosses chase them away.
At the start of the Cardinals’ campaign, the Chiefs defensive line noticeably caused an upset. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson got some of a boost on the first two plays. On third and fourth, cornerback Trent McDuffie drove on a short pass and tackled the receiver off the sticks.
The team’s first attack from the gates faltered on the second fall as well, but some Mahomes magic moved the chains. On third down, he rushed right and threw again through the middle to tight end Travis Kelsey to move the chains up. The next third bottom was almost converted with another magic throw at the sideline, but the ball fell incomplete. Kansas City chase again.
The Chiefs’ starting defense got onto the field on their second drive of the game with rookie defensive tackle Keondre Coburn in the lineup. He broke through the pocket on his first snap, but the Cardinals moved the chains anyway. A few snaps later, Arizona converted a third down with a completion that beat safety Brian Cook into man coverage.
On the next third down, the Pressure forced a quick deep pass into cornerback Trent McDuffie’s coverage, but the throw was too wide. Arizona is back at the Chiefs.
Mahomes stayed in the game to own a third, looking for wide receiver Justin Ross on the second play of the drive; The low pass cannot be pulled. On third and short, a rushing rush was secured to wide receiver Skyy Moore for the first time. Catch and run running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire moved the series again.
The team continued to lead, with great completions to wide receivers Justyn Ross and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to set them up close to the red zone. From there, Mahomes sprinted right and bought time and put him last on Justin Watson’s running sprint. The sixth-year wide secured the pass and got Kansas City on board. Chiefs lead 7-0.
Second Quarter
Arizona’s offense continued against the Chiefs’ defensive starters, finding seams through the run defense to move the chains on first down. However, on third and short, linebacker Nick Bolton broke up a pass to the tight end with tight coverage.
Third-string quarterback (or backup?) Shane Buechele took over on the next drive, even as the offensive line continued. That play was preceded by a big run by running back Jerrick McKinnon. In the red zone, Buechele faced a 3rd-and-6, but sprinted from 15 yards and scored on a touchdown run. It pushed the Chiefs’ lead to 14-0.
The Chiefs’ second-team defense took the field on the next drive, forcing a quick three out. Defensive tackle Danny Shelton emerged again with a running block on first. On third down, safety Mike Edwards blocked a lateral pass and made sure he didn’t get caught in bounds.
Buechele continued to lead the Chiefs, and continued to find his former teammate in Rashee Rice. A few other big completions got the team within kicking distance, but they settled for a field goal around the two-minute warning. They came back to Arizona with a 17-0 lead.
In the two-minute drill, the Cardinals put together an eight-play drive with the help of numerous penalties by cornerback DiCaprio Bottle. A nice rush by defensive end Felix Anodic-Uzuma was negated by a successful scramble, then Bootle was targeted in coverage again getting inside the five yard line.
From there, a false start put Arizona back and led them to a third-and-goal. However, the quarterback was unstoppable, pushing the ball carrier through Chiefs defenders and scoring. The Cardinals narrowed the score to 17-7.
After the kickoff, the Chiefs knelt on the ball and went into halftime with a 17-7 lead.
Third quarter
Arizona got methodical right out of the gate in the third quarter, putting together an 11-play drive that went 54 yards. It lasted nearly six minutes, but ended in a field goal. Highlights from the Chiefs on the drive include running stops by linebacker Jock Cochrane, and good tackles in space by both cornerbacks Kahlef Hailassie and Ekow Boye-Doe.
The Chiefs’ second team offense continued to work, this time with backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert taking the snaps. Just as he did in New Orleans, he quickly found a deep feat: wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette found open space for a 44-yard completion.
After Gabert missed Justin Ross’ open for a potential touchdown, Smith gave Marcette another chance to make a play — and he did. The third-year wide front flipped into the end zone and scored, pushing the Chiefs’ advantage to 24-10.
After a quick Arizona three, Gabert continued to tackle the Chiefs’ reserves on offense. Tight end Matt Bushman hooked up for a 25-yard completion on this drive. However, the possession featured heavily on running back La’Mical Perine, who gained 27 yards on three carries.
On the end of possession, Gabert rolled and found wide receiver Cornell Powell in the back of the end zone for another touchdown. The Chiefs extended the score to 31-10.
Anudike-Uzomah continued to break through the line of scrimmage to begin the next drive, chasing the quarterback on a quick throw. After a few plays, the third quarter was over.
special teams
Punter Tommy Townsend has one punt that goes 40 yards, then another that goes 51. That return attempt is stopped inside the 20-yard line.
Kicker Harrison Butker made all four of his kick attempts point by point. In the second quarter, he made a 28-yard field goal.
Punt returner Richie James gained 13 yards on his first attempt.
Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette was the second punt returner, catching his only return for a gain of nine yards.
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