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

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

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

Nonetheless, there have been a number of moments throughout Saturday afternoon’s sport that we gained’t quickly neglect. There have been additionally a few gamers we hope to neglect in the event that they don’t make the roster.

Right here had been a number of the Kansas Metropolis gamers who stood out earlier than Detroit gained on a last-second discipline aim.

Winners

Punter Matt Araiza: The facility within the Punt God’s leg has by no means been in query — and on Saturday, he continued to increase kicks downfield. However his skill to goal directional kicks (or apply the correct amount of contact) has been open to query. Effectively… Araiza had six alternatives in opposition to the Lions. He made essentially the most of every one. The space 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 have to be happy with Araiza’s improvement.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: It lastly occurred: the two-time MVP’s long-anticipated behind-the-back cross. 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 won’t even have been Mahomes’ better of the sport. Effectively forward of the season opener, the quarterback demonstrated he’s dialed in — as famous by Arrowhead Pleasure’s lead analyst Ron Kopp.

Operating again Deneric Prince: To date in 2024, final yr’s preseason star has been overshadowed by the rise of undrafted working again Carson Steele. However Prince gained’t go onto the apply squad with out a struggle. Whereas his 41-yard run was superbly blocked, it additionally displayed some explosive skill the staff wants in its backfield.

Vast receiver Xavier Worthy: The primary-round choose was excellent on Saturday, scoring his first NFL landing. Watching that play exhibits the benefit with which this speedy rookie can win. He’s not only a quick man. He can speed up, minimize at full pace and observe the ball within the air. Worthy may 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 may be somewhat shorthanded — he may be one of many secondary’s most vital 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 a giant 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 cross rush wasn’t nice in opposition to Detroit, however the different Jones on the line of defense performed like a person who deserves an extended look. He ended the sport with half a sack, a deal with for loss and a recovered fumble.

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

Losers

Quarterback Ian E book: 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 apply squad quarterback is over — if there ever was one.

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

Vast 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 sport with the third staff. In camp, coaches tried him at working again in camp — and he’s not among the many prime two punt or kick returners. It looks like Toney won’t make the staff’s 2024 roster.