Chiefs preseason: 5 things to watch for against the Lions

This week marked the end of training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs. The last practice on Thursday leads into the second week of the preseason: The Chiefs will host the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

After a little taster in the opening game of the tryouts, this week will be the team’s true dress rehearsal for the regular season: On Thursday, head coach Andy Reid said the starters will “play a half.” It’s possible that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be out before the rest of the first team, but history tells us he’ll have plenty of time to get into a rhythm.

In the three years since the preseason was shortened to three weeks, Mahomes has averaged over 18 dropbacks per game in Week 2. The number has dropped each year, but he has new players at left tackle and at the skill positions to build chemistry in live action.

Here are five things to look for in the extended, final preview of the 2024 Chiefs before the season opener on September 5th:

1. The Receiving Corps without Hollywood Brown

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Wide receiver Hollywood Brown’s injury will sideline him for the start of the regular season and could extend through the first quarter of the schedule, throwing a huge wrench into the passing machine the team has built around Brown’s experience and diverse route system.

That makes rookie receiver Xavier Worthy the biggest vertical threat and draws more attention than he was entitled to at Brown. However, wide receiver Justin Watson was very efficient on long routes last year, totaling 460 yards at 17 yards per pass reception. Worthy may be favored by opponents, but there’s a chance Mahomes feels just as good or better targeting Watson further down the field right now.

While Watson’s chemistry with Mahomes is good on the long ball, the veteran receiver lacks the quickness to be as reliable on shorter, breaking throws. That’s where third-year wide receiver Skyy Moore has a chance to prove himself. He’s repeatedly flashed talent as a route runner, from release to break, but he’s struggled to fit it into the rhythm of the scheme.

Saturday will be a key test for Moore and wide receiver Justyn Ross. Brown is expected to play strong on the outside, so the team may appreciate the big man’s perimeter play more.

2. Third-down defense

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The Chiefs’ starting defense only faced one third-down attempt in the season opener, and it was successfully stopped, but there is still a lot to learn about how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo plans to approach these critical situations this year.

The unit ranked sixth in third down conversion rate last season, and that will be hard to repeat unless cornerback L’Jarius Sneed shuts down the receiver he’s lined up – often the team’s best weapon. With Spagnuolo less reliable on the outside this year, he could use less man coverage on third downs. That would also mean fewer blitzes, relying instead on rush stunts up front and zone blitzes that contain four rushers by exposing a lineman.

Therefore, it is important that the Chiefs’ four-man rush can generate pressure on its own. It is also crucial that the safeties and linebackers on the back end show foresight and urgency; these positions should have the experience and depth to cover a more exposed cornerback space.

3. How reliable the running game can be

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It would be nice to give Mahomes and the passing offense plenty of plays, but the Chiefs have to be cautious. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor injured his shoulder during practice on Wednesday and will not play on Saturday.

With swing tackle Wanya Morris also currently disabled, the right side will be protected by right tackle Lucas Niang, who has played for five years. The 2021 season was the last time Niang was in the starting lineup, and his performance in this training camp hasn’t even secured him a spot on the 53-man roster.

With that in mind, the Chiefs should protect themselves by limiting direct dropbacks and stepping up the running game so rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia can do more of what he currently does best: get off the ball quickly and at defenders.

4. The rotation in the secondary part

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The first week of preseason training provided no significant insight into the Chiefs’ battle for the second cornerback spot. Contenders Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson and Kelvin Joseph were all out of action, leaving Joshua Williams in the starting lineup and playing 21 snaps – 15 more than regulars like Trent McDuffie.

On one snap, Williams had trouble keeping up with the high speed of Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The 41-yard pass and Williams’ uncertainty in trying to defend him are an indication that the competition is very high.

Watson may be given the benefit of the doubt given the consistency he has shown throughout his career, but look for Johnson to prove something in his first pre-season appearance since 2022.

5. The uses of Jared Wiley and Carson Steele

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This week, we may learn more about the team’s plan for short yardage and red zone situations by taking a closer look at the starting offense.

With only a few yards to go, it will be interesting to see if running back Carson Steele steps out at fullback to play with starter Isiah Pacheco – or if he is the only back himself. It could be either, as it’s clear the coaching staff wants to get him involved in the offense. Look for Steele’s hands and pass protection skills to be put to the test on Saturday, even if he doesn’t play with the starters.

It will also be interesting to see if rookie tight end Jared Wiley can work with the starters, especially closer to the end zone. In 2023, Wiley led all FBS tight ends with five red-zone scores at TCU. Look for his use in sets with three tight ends.