GLENDALE, Ariz. — — Kansas Metropolis’s first-team offense did not play properly throughout its first few collection Saturday night time, dropping just a few passes, committing just a few penalties and developing properly wanting the tip zone.
An anticipated mild preseason night time for the starters was out of the blue changing into a bit longer. Earlier than the third drive, MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a message for his teammates.
“If we do not need to maintain enjoying, we might higher rating,” Mahomes mentioned.
The Chiefs responded with a 10-play, 92-yard drive that ended in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Justin Watson and Kansas Metropolis was on its approach to a 38-10 victorty over the Arizona Cardinals.
It was the primary prolonged preseason motion for Mahomes, who accomplished 10 of 15 passes for 105 yards and a landing, enjoying the whole first quarter. The defending Tremendous Bowl champs by no means trailed and outgained the Cardinals 504 yards to 286.
Kansas Metropolis rookie receiver Rashee Rice — a second-round pick of SMU — caught eight passes for 96 yards.
“You may see the expertise,” Mahomes mentioned. “He makes a whole lot of powerful catches. He had a drop early after which responded properly. I believe that is simply the jitters of being in your first few NFL video games. I’ve received a whole lot of belief in him that he’ll make these catches in powerful areas.”
Kansas Metropolis (1-1) is anticipated to be among the many NFL’s greatest groups once more this yr, whereas Arizona (1-1) is a well-liked decide to be among the many worst. Franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is probably going out for the primary a number of weeks of the season whereas he recovers from a torn ACL suffered final yr.
Veteran Colt McCoy is the anticipated starter till Murray returns. He accomplished 5 of 8 passes for 25 yards. Rookie Clayton Tune — a fifth-round pick of Houston — accomplished 12 of 24 passes for 133 yards. He additionally ran for 35 yards.
The Chiefs constructed a 17-0 lead by late within the second quarter following Harrison Butker’s 28-yard discipline objective. The Cardinals lower it to 17-7 simply earlier than halftime on Keaontay Ingram’s 5-yard landing.
Arizona’s Matt Prater made a 54-yard discipline objective with 9:33 left within the third to make it 17-10, however Kansas Metropolis would end the sport with 21 straight factors.
Kansas Metropolis’s backup quarterbacks each had robust performances. Shane Buechele was 10 of 10 for 105 yards, whereas additionally working for a 15-yard landing. Blaine Gabbert was 7 of 8 for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
“It was a very good effort, all the best way round,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid mentioned. “Defensively, I believed we began quick, which is what we wanted to do. Offensively, we had just a few hiccups early. We have got to maintain enterprise with that. However all in all, the teams got here out and performed good, respectable soccer.”
The Chiefs’ 4 quarterbacks — Mahomes, Buechele, Gabbert and fourth-stringer Chris Oladokun — mixed to finish 31 of 38 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns.
“All three phases, we have got to get cleaned up or that’s what going to occur towards a very good soccer crew,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned. “You’re going to get beat fairly good. It will likely be very black and white to our guys what we have to enhance in a rush.”
STRUGGLING SIMMONS
Arizona’s Isaiah Simmons has made the transfer to security from linebacker because the Cardinals attempt to unlock the potential of the previous No. 8 total decide of the 2020 draft.
The primary preseason sport went OK. The second was a bit rougher.
Simmons appeared to get beat on a number of performs within the first half because the Chiefs constructed their 17-0 lead. He completed with two tackles. Gannon mentioned the whole protection gave up too many explosive performs.
“I clearly must play higher,” Simmons mentioned. “I really feel that each sport. Explosives undoubtedly are one thing we have to tone down.”
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
It was the third time in lower than a yr that the Chiefs have performed at State Farm Stadium.
Kansas Metropolis beat Arizona 44-21 in final yr’s season opener earlier than returning earlier than returning to the desert for his or her Tremendous Bowl win over the Eagles in February. Six months later, they have been again in Glendale for the preseason sport.
Kansas Metropolis received all three video games.
UP NEXT
Chiefs: Host the Cleveland Browns of their remaining preseason sport subsequent Saturday.
Cardinals: Journey to face the Minnesota Vikings of their remaining preseason sport subsequent Saturday.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
