Final: Chiefs 17, Cardinals 10
The Chiefs notched yet another preseason victory in overwhelming fashion yet again in week 2 of the preseason, downing the Minnesota Vikings, 17-10. This game was the Chiefs all game, as they put up 448 total yards, double and then some, compared to the total yards (448) of the Vikings. To add insult to injury, the Chiefs eclipsed the Vikes in time of possession, 38.34 minutes to 21:26. I absolutely love this Chiefs team. Almost impossibly, It looks better than Chiefs teams of the past two seasons. I dare say it could be on par with the 1969 Chiefs squad and September 12th, 2021 can’t get here early enough.
.
Offensive Line: A+
The Chiefs offensive line looked stellar yet again against the Vikings. For the second week in a row, Chiefs QBs suffered no sacks. In fact, all of them had plenty of time in a pocket so perfect and comfortable, Levi Strauss, himself, would be jealous.
They steamrolled on running plays, too, as the Chiefs RBs amassed 141 yards rushing. I like this offensive line that Veach assembled this offseason. I mean I really, really like it.
.
Running Backs: A
Despite minor injuries to Kansas City’s top two running backs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams, the Chiefs RBs easily took up the slack. Of note was Derrick Gore (54 yards, 6.8 average) and Darwin Thompson (49 yards, 6.1 average). Altogether, the Chiefs running backs racked up 141 rushing yards, with 8 yards of help from quarterback Shane Buechele.
I would have liked to see more play-action passes, but will be anxiously looking for it in tonight’s matchup.
.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A
It was wide receivers Byron Pringle’s and Daurice Fountain’s game all night long, as the pair put up 63, and 54, yards, respectively.
Third-year wideout Mecole Hardman compensated for his earlier miscues reminiscent of his first two years in NFL with a spectacular, if not impossible, touchdown reception. After the score, a sea of Red & Gold mobbed the WR, fittingly appreciative of the impossible catch.
Rookie tight end Noah Gray was discouragingly pedestian in his second outing. I’m looking for a big game from him tonight.
.
Quarterbacks: B+
Although dismayed at Patrick Mahomes interception, the Chiefs quarterbacks impressed this game. Particularly, Shane Buechele with his 115 yards passing, his one touchdown, and his 102.7 passer rating. Equally satisfying was, backup quarterback Chad Henne, throwing for 82 yards and one touchdown. Henne’s passer rating was the highest of all Chiefs quarterbacks at 146.9.
Starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes could not find his rhythm for yet a second game. His uncustomary interception exhibited poor judgement on his part. I’m not worried, though, as Mr. Mahomes is always prime-time when the real nitty-gritty starts, which will be against the Cleveland Browns the second weekend of September.
.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line posted an equally stellar performance as did their OL counterparts. For the second week in a row, they racked up four sacks. Chris Jones forced fumble was nothing to sneeze at either. If they can continue this momentum in the regular season, offensive coordinators BEWARE!
Linebackers: A
The Red & Gold’s linebackers redeemed themselves after last week’s subpar performance. Especially rookie linebacker Nick Bolton, who had two tackles, an almost sack, and one assist against the Cardinals.
.
The linebacking corps also shared kudos for holding the Cardinals to 159-yards rushing and 80-yards rushing. After a rough start, the unit looks to be gelling.
.
Defensive Backs: A
Safety Juan Thornhill balled out this game with an interception, a tackle and an assist. The entire Chiefs defensive backfield were on the Cardinals receivers like flies on manure. Save for a 44- and a 20-yard catch by the Cardinals receivers the Chiefs safeties and cornerbacks were as stingy and ornery as a mule with a mouthful of bumblebees. Honey Badger’s mentoring of this young group is paying off in spades, and it shows.
.
Special Teams: B+
Harrison Butker righted his wrongs of last week. The kicker was true on two extra points, as well as a 24-yard field goal. Punter Tommy Townsend took a step back from his performance of last week with two punts averaging 38.2-yards. Some inconsistency is to be expected of a young punter, but he’s got to step up his game to make Chiefs Kingdom forget about fan favorite Dustin Colquitt.
.
Running back Darwin Thompson was the star on special teams and came awful close to making the Player of the Game. His return of a kickoff for the Chiefs-high of 37 yards is sure to endear himself to special teams coach Dave Toub. I look for Thompson to make the 53-man squad based on his kickoff return ability, alone. Now, if he could stop practicing hurdles during games. I swear that kid jumps like a Mike Powell Jumping Bean.
.
.
Toub must have been beside himself with the Chiefs special team unit limiting the Cardinals to just 29 yards on two punts. Our special teams coach is going to be a happy man this season.
.
Overall Team Grade: A
Overall, the Chiefs looked good in this game. They played a great game, and those players vying for a spot on the final 53-man roster put in tremendous effort and it showed. They were in control for all four quarters and flat-out outplayed an embarrassed Vikings squad. If I were a Viking fan, I’d be dreading this season. Particularly in a division featuring the Green Bay Packers, who have the second-best quarterback in the league.
.
Player of the Game/Play of the Game:
Safety Juan Thornhill was the Player of the Game who made the play of the game last Friday, as he nabbed a picture perfect interception. I imagine one player achieving both this season, but give due credit where it’s due.Thornhill showed flashes of brilliance last year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the playoffs the season prior. Against the Cardinals, however, Thornhill looks in his rookie season form In fact, Thornhill’s effort earned him a spot on Touchdown Wire’s weekly Secret Superstar list for week two of the preseason.
.
“‘C’mon Man!” Moment of the Game
I never thought Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes would make the “C’mon Man”! Moment of the Game section. Yet here we are. Combined with him being off for yet another game, our starting quarterback’s lackluster and listless performance was disappointing to Chiefs Kingdom, who’ve become accustomed to his electrifying plays. It was a preseason game, and Mahomes played like it was, seemingly putting in little effort.
However, it was his uncharacteristic garbage interception in the first quarter that earns him this dubious honor. It had Chiefs fans worldwide scratching their heads, wondering “What was he thinking?” Along with his 43% passer rating, it was a disappointing outing for the future GOAT.
.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs will take on the Minnesota Vikings tonight at 7 PM CDT at Arrowhead Stadium (I refuse to use GEHA Field). NFL Network will broadcast the game and we’ll have our game thread, as per usual.
.
For those who don’t have NFL Network, you can
watch online at ustvgo.tv/nfl-network-live-free.
.
.
Mahomes and the starters will play the entire first half, or Big Red could pull PMII after a touchdown, which has eluded him in the two preseason. Although he certainly doesn’t need it. My gut tells me that Reid will pull him after a touchdown and let Henne finish the first half, then leave the second half to Buechele.
Also, there are 27 players on the bubble for whom tonite’s game is make or break. Like all NFL teams, the Chiefs must decrease their roster to the final 53 by/on Tuesday, August 31.
Yes, my two favorite underdog Chiefs are, D-Train and wide receiver Gehrig Dieter. I’m confident if Thompson shines in tonight’s game, that he’ll make the squad, if only for his kick returning skills. Reid seems to give special teams coach Dave Toub a lot of latitude in selecting his favorites for special teams. Particularly if they add value as second or third-stringer on offense or defense. Thompson does. Dieter is an entirely different story, as he’s done nothing to impress so far this preseason. However, he’s a friend and favorite of Patrick Mahomes, who also holds some sway with his head coach. I look for Dieter to make the practice squad. Again.
.
Don’t forget to join ArrowheadOne for our OPEN THREAD
this evening, starting at 3 PM CDT. Go Chiefs!
.
.
I’m really looking forward to what D-Train and Dieter do in tonight’s game, as well as Mahomes getting his first touchdown this preseason. It should be an interesting contest.
.
Michael Travis Rose — ArrowheadOne
.
If you are viewing this in Apple News and would like to join the Discussion, [GO HERE.](http://arrowheadone.com/preseason-game-two-report-card-chiefs-at-cardinals/#disqus_thread)
.