Chiefs lose third and final preseason game; attention turns to regular season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Kansas City Chiefs went 0-3 in preseason action, after a 34-21 loss to the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.
It was a game of the backups, as no big name starters played for either team in the final game of preseason action. The matchup was the last chance for younger players to make their mark in an attempt to make the 53-man roster.
The deadline to cut down to 53 players is Tuesday, Aug. 27, so head coach Andy Reid and company will undoubtedly take what they saw on Thursday night into making those decisions.
Although the Bears offense dominated from the opening drive, there were some bright spots for the Kansas City Chiefs second and third stringers, specifically in fullback Carson Steele. The 21-year-old rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown on just four carries in the loss. He, by far, had the most impressive night for the Chiefs, as the biggest highlight of his night was a 31-yard, tackle-breaking run which almost got him in for a touchdown.
After Steele's one-yard punch in in the second quarter, the Chiefs offense stayed silent until garbage time, as Chicago put up 27 unanswered point, before KC finally responded with a touchdown in the fourth quarter, from Ian Book to Cornell Powell.
Book out-performed South Dakota State graduate Chris Okladokun, on Thursday night, as the quarterbacks both fought to impress with Patrick Mahomes and backup Carson Wentz on the sidelines. Book with 6-for-9 for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Okladokun went 9-for-16 for 66 and threw two interceptions.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs didn't get out of the final preseason game without any injuries. Left tackle Wanya Morris banged up his knee on the first drive of the game. However, during the postgame press conference, Coach Reid said that, with some rest, he will be alright.
During camp, Morris lost the starting left tackle job to rookie Kingsley Suamataia, but is still hoping to make the final roster as a backup.
Defensively, it was a pretty rough night for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's group. One of the only big names to play in last night's game, cornerback Jaylen Watson, unsurprisingly lit up the box score. Watson led the team with seven total tackles, five solo stops and one pass defended.
Up next - the Chiefs will open up the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens. Game time at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is set for 7:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.
