Week 1 preseason recap: Chiefs-Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals defeat Kansas City Chiefs - 2025 Preseason Week 1
Kansas City’s starting offense only played one series, which was an even shorter stint, as the Chiefs forced a fumble on the opening kickoff. Patrick Mahomes and the offense took over on the Cardinals’ 13-yard line, resulting in a quick touchdown pass from Mahomes to Jason Brownlee. That would be it for Mahomes and the starting skill-position group. However, the first unit's offensive line would play a couple more series before withdrawing from the game.
Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons was stellar in his brief debut, and he looked the part with his athleticism and technique in pass protection and run blocking. Simmons’ performance on Friday night was encouraging, to say the least. The main question surrounding the Chiefs this upcoming season was the status of their offensive line and whether it could hold up in protection.
According to PFF, Mahomes was sacked 47 times during the 2024 regular season and playoffs. Due to the constant pressure, the 29-year-old quarterback was forced to release the ball quickly, resulting in a career-low 6.8 yards per attempt, which ranked 60th among all quarterbacks.
If Mahomes’ blindside is regularly protected, the three-time Super Bowl MVP can return to his previous form and lead this offense to more explosive production.
In addition to subpar offensive line play in 2024, the receiving corps was depleted with Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown out with injuries for the majority of last season. Rice is facing an inevitable suspension in 2025 that could range from 4-8 games, and Brown is currently dealing with a foot injury that has kept him out for the last two weeks. However, unlike last season, the Chiefs have depth at receiver with rookie Jalen Royals and Tyquan Thornton entering the fold.
Royals, who has a similar build and style to Rice, caught three of his five targets for 14 yards. Thornton, who has been a standout in training camp, corralled one of his two targets for 15 yards.
Pass-catching options have become unreliable over the last few seasons for Kansas City. Whether that be due to health or receivers struggling with drops, the Chiefs can now turn to their depth if problems arise throughout the season. However, when Rice and Brown are back in the lineup with Xavier Worthy, Kansas City’s offense should be hitting on all cylinders.
Defensively, Steve Spagnuolo’s unit was impressive and flew around the field, making clean tackles and forcing the issue. Following the offense’s scoring drive, second-year safety Jaden Hicks intercepted Kyler Murray, which was one of the worst interceptions thrown in recent memory. It was a gift, but Hicks was in the right position and undercut Murray’s attempted pass to Marvin Harrison Jr.
Rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa showed his versatility and skill set on multiple occasions, leading the team with six total tackles.
Overall, disregarding the result, the Chiefs’ coaching staff should be more than pleased with the performance from the players. Friday night’s contest highlighted Kansas City’s rookie draft class and the depth this roster has at multiple positions.
The Chiefs will play against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Friday, Aug. 15, in their second preseason game.