Kansas City learned a few things on Sunday during their first preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints. A big message to the team was how badly they needed defensive tackle Chris Jones in their lineup. Although the ones weren’t on the field for very long, one drive was all Saints quarterback Derek Carr needed to slice through the Chiefs’ starting defense, completing six of eight throws for 70 yards and a touchdown.
New Orleans eventually jumped out to a 17-0 lead before Kansas City’s twos and threes would put up 24 unanswered points to go up 24-17 by the start of the fourth quarter. However, the Saints would find just enough life to score a late touchdown to escape with a 26-24 victory.
First quarter
After allowing New Orleans to go on an 85-yard drive for a score, the Chiefs’ offense didn’t look as sharp as we’re used to seeing them. That should be expected in the preseason, however, but nonetheless. The Chiefs traveled 24 yards from the 34 to their 48-yard line before fizzling out and getting slammed at the line of scrimmage on a failed fourth down attempt – a tight end sneak snap to Blake Bell.
Kansas City’s starting defense also looked lost on the field late in the first as backup QB Jamis Winston led the Saints’ offense 48 yards in five plays for a score. The Chiefs starters could not generate a pass rush, and it quickly became apparent that moving on from star d-tackle Chris Jones would be a challenging transition if the two sides decided to part ways. Kansas City entered the second quarter down 17-0.
Second quarter
Late in the second quarter, Kansas City’s defense got a play from rookie defensive back Chamarri Conner, who sacks Jamis Winston on a 3rd and 11 to force New Orleans to go three and out for the second consecutive drive. Kansas City’s number two offense appeared to feed off the momentum created from the sack as quarterback Blaine Gabbert finally started moving the chains. Wide Receiver Richie James came through in a big way on Kansas City’s six-play, 50-yard scoring drive, catching a 43-yard bomb from the former Missouri star on a 1st and 15.
Two plays later, Gabbert went to James again, in the end zone for an 11-yard score and the first points the Chiefs put up on the board. Late in the first half, the Chiefs’ defense made a few big plays. Defensive tackle Danny Shelton handed Winston his second sack of the day, pinning the New Orleans offense even further back on a 1st and 20. The Saints would go three and out.
Third String QB Shane Buechele took over for the Chiefs’ offense at the two-minute warning of the first half. His first pass was a completion to rookie receiver Rashee Rice. His following throw was intended for second-year receiver Justyn Ross but was intercepted by Saints safety Ugo Amadi. New Orleans’ offense inevitably went three and out to end the first half.
Third quarter
Mid-way in the third quarter, after both teams went three-and-out on the first three possessions, the third-string quarter for New Orleans, Jake Haener’s pass to James Washington is picked by undrafted rookie corner Kahlef Hailassie for the Chiefs’ first takeaway of the game.
Now on offense, Kansas City proceeds to have a quick 54-yard drive as Buechele guides the Chiefs downfield in six plays and finishes with a 15-yard pass to Justyn Ross for a touchdown. After forcing New Orleans off the field again, Kansas City dials up another scoring drive that lasts 12 plays. Buechele opens the drive by completing a 19-yard pass to Kekoa Crawford. Five plays later, on a 3rd and three, from the Saints’ 46-yard line, Buechele converts with a 24-yard connection to undrafted rookie Nikko Remigio for the first down.
Four plays later, on 3rd and 7, eight yards from the goalline, Buechele scrambles to his right from a crumbling pocket before juking out a Saints pass rusher and steps into a throw for an open Crawford in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown. Kansas City earned another field goal early in the fourth.
Fourth quarter
Late in the fourth, New Orleans put a late scoring drive together as Haener built off a 33-yard gain from a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty that extended an initial 18-yard pass to receiver Shaquan Davis. Four plays later, Haener completes one to Ellis Merriweather for a 15-yard gain to the Chiefs’ 17-yard line with 1:30 left. The following snap was blown dead by a pass interference call that moved the Saints 15 yards upfield, two yards from the goal line.
New Orleans capitalizes off the short field with a two-yard throw to Merriweather to tie the game at 24. The Saints would force a turnover the following drive and set up kicker Blake Grupe for the game-winner from 31 yards. The game ends with the Saints scraping past the Chiefs, 26-24.
