The Chiefs lost to the Chicago Bears 34-21 and remained winless in the preseason for the first time since 2011 (0-3). In a game that featured mostly reserves, the Chiefs were unable to do much on either side of the ball, and their starting quarterback Chris Oladokun threw two interceptions.
KC STAR OF THE GAME
Rookie safety Jaden Hicks made several big plays, including recovering a fumbled punt, making a tackle for a loss and a pass defense, and is poised to become the best rookie on the Chiefs defense.
Next: As Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs will open the regular season with the NFL’s first game on September 5 against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead. The game on NBC (Channel 41) begins at 7:20 p.m.
TRANSCRIPT
Pass attack: D
A turnover put the Chiefs at the Bears’ 9-yard line in the second quarter. But two plays later, Chris Oladokun threw a ball into coverage and intercepted it at the goal line. The ball was intended for rookie tight end Jared Wiley, who was covered. But Oladokun never looked another way. His second interception was more costly. An attempt to hit Mecole Hardman on the sideline turned into a pick-six just before halftime. Fourth-team quarterback Ian Book teamed with Cornell Powell for a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Book and Montrell Washington combined for a 49-yard gain in the final minutes that set up a 10-yard touchdown from Book to Baylor Cupp.
Running Attack: B
Once again, Carson Steele was the poster boy. The only bright spot for the Chiefs offense in the first half was the series where only Steele got a run. Three plays covered 51 yards, including a tackle-breaking 31-yard run followed by his 1-yard touchdown. Otherwise, it was not a good night for the running game. The Chiefs were hurt twice on one play. On fourth-and-1 from the Bears’ 43, Deneric Prince lost 3 yards. On the play, tackle Wayna Morris injured his knee and was out for the game. Keaontay Ingram ran hard on his few attempts, averaging 6.5 yards per run.
Pass defense: D
The first series was a disaster. The Chiefs were burned on a deep ball and committed three defensive holding penalties (two by Kelvin Joseph). On the night, three Bears quarterbacks not named Caleb Williams (Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien and Austin Reid) combined for 226 yards.
Attack defense: D
Derrick Nnadi made his first preseason appearance, as did cornerback Jaylen Watson. They were part of a lackluster performance from KC. Defensively, the Chiefs conceded 392 total yards, including 166 on the ground.
Special teams: B
The Chiefs have brought in a new long snapper, Randen Plattner from Kansas State and Park Hill High. James Winchester is expected back for the opener. Harrison Butker had the leg for a 59-yard field goal but shot right. The Chiefs had plenty of kickoff return opportunities and Hardman had the best at 43 yards. Kickoff and punt coverage was solid and the Chiefs recovered a fumbled punt.
