5 things we learned from the Chiefs’ final preseason game

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 9: Jaden Hicks #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field prior to Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)That’s a wrap on the preseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs started fast against the Chicago Bears on Friday night. When quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company were on the field, the offense was firing on all cylinders. Once the starters were on the sidelines in the second half, things shifted a bit. In the end, the Bears found a way to chip their way back and score the game-winning touchdown with seconds remaining, defeating the Chiefs 29-27.

The most important thing is that the team escaped healthy — and will be ready to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.

Here are five other things we learned.

1. The Chiefs have depth at wide receiver

 

In my opinion, the Chiefs have seven wide receivers who are locks to make this roster: Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Royals, Tyquan Thornton and Nikko Remigio. That doesn’t include Jason Brownlee, who did everything he could to make this team. In any other season, he’d be on the 53. In 2025, Kansas City will have to hope it can sneak him onto the practice squad.

What’s even more impressive about this receiving group is that you could easily see every one of them playing an important role on offense or special teams this year.

There are no depth chart fillers to be found here.

2. The offensive line might be okay

 

Friday night was the best performance of left guard Kingsley Suamataia’s young career. He wasn’t a liability on passing downs and was legitimately good at clearing the way on running plays. He looked athletic. He also seemed to understand the concepts of leverage, hand placement and maintaining blocks.

In the same vein, right tackle Jawaan Taylor held his own. The other three linemen (Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Josh Simmons) played lights out. This version of the offensive line gave Mahomes all the time he needed to survey the field and make plays.

3. Kristian Fulton was a nice addition to this team

 

This was our first real look at the veteran who joined the team in March. He’s been working his way back from offseason knee surgery.

Fulton came in part of the way through the first half. Despite having one pass interference call — which I’m sure he wishes he could have back — he looked aggressive and healthy. He was flying all over the field — and for a stretch, seemed to make every play on defense. He showcased good athleticism and a willingness to tackle.

In short, he was just the sort of cornerback that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets. With Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Kristian Fulton as the team’s top three corners, you have to feel pretty good about where the secondary stands.

4. Jaden Hicks can fill the shoes left by Justin Reid

 

The Chiefs are going to move this young safety all over the place this season. Hicks is going to play deep, in the box, in the slot and everywhere in between. Against the Bears, he looked comfortable playing at all three levels of the field. If Hicks can continue to play like he did on Friday night, then this defense will not miss a beat in the absence of Reid, who went to the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

The best part is that Hicks is entering only his second NFL season. The Chiefs have him under their control for the next three years — and he’s still developing. At the rate, there is no telling what his ceiling could be. In three years, we could easily be talking about him as one of the league’s premier safeties.

5. The bubbles have popped for Joshua Williams and Carson Steele

 

Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images

You don’t often see a guy who has helped a team win two Super Bowls playing in garbage time in the fourth quarter of the final preseason game. But that’s exactly where Williams found himself on Friday. Now that Chris Roland-Wallace and Nohl Williams have passed him on the depth chart, he’s become a defensive afterthought. Despite his great length, his change-of-direction skills and physicality have never developed into what they should be. There are times when his greatest strength has become his enemy: he seems to be too long to change directions with shiftier players.

Meanwhile, for Steele — whose hard-nosed running style gained him some fans a year ago — the magic just hasn’t been there. He looks slow and lacks power. The Chiefs fed him the ball while they were resting their starters last week against Seattle — but on Friday, he was carrying the ball at the end of the game. He was a fun story in 2024 — and Andy Reid definitely likes having a fullback on the team — but you just can’t justify a roster spot for the limited ability Steele brings to the table.

 

Related Posts

BREAKING! BASTONI TOUCHES DOWN AT AXA — LIVERPOOL CONFIRM NEW DEFENSIVE BEAST! 😱

BREAKING! Liverpool has officially confirmed the signing of defensive powerhouse Bastoni in a record British transfer. The six-year contract marks a significant moment for the club, as they bolster their defense ahead of the new season. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the transfer window enters its final week. Bastoni’s arrival comes after a flurry […]

BREAKING NEWS IN SAN FRANCISCO: The 49ers Just Received a Stunning Update on Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett That Will Leave You Speechless! The latest development has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, and fans are going wild trying to process the implications of this bold message. What does this mean for the team’s future, and how will this impact their chances of making a deep playoff run? Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold! 🚨🏈

SAN FRANCISCO DROP A BOMBSHELL: 49ers Hit With Bold Message on Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett The San Francisco 49ers’ pass rush was one of the league’s biggest…

BREAKING NEWS: Travis Kelce’s courageous leap of faith pays off! He signs a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers worth $48 million, including multiple performance-based incentives. Driven by a passion for greatness, Kelce is drawn to the 49ers’ dynamic offensive system and their unwavering commitment to championship excellence. He believes this move will unleash his full potential, empowering him to reach new heights and inspire a generation of athletes. Head coach Kyle Shanahan envisions Travis Kelce as the catalyst who will propel the 49ers’ offense to unprecedented success, igniting a thrilling new era in San Francisco! 💥

BREAKING NEWS: Travis Kelce, one of the most talented and dynamic tight ends in NFL history, has officially signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers…

AT LAST! LIVERPOOL SEAL BASTONI DEAL — ANFIELD EXPLODES AS MEDICAL BEGINS!

¡AL FIN! LIVERPOOL CONFIRMA EL ACUERDO POR BASTONI — ¡ANFIELD EXPLOTA MIENTRAS INICIAN LOS EXÁMENES MÉDICOS! El Liverpool ha sellado un acuerdo histórico por el defensa Bastoni, quien ha firmado un contrato por seis años. La afición estalla de júbilo mientras el club confirma el traspaso de récord británico. La noticia ha causado una ola […]

SKY SPORTS CONFIRMS NEW CONTRACT!JÜRGEN KLOPP SHOCKS WORLD: SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH LIVERPOOL!

Liverpool FC fans, brace yourselves! In a stunning development, Jurgen Klopp has officially signed a new contract with the club, ensuring his continued leadership in what has been one of the most successful managerial eras in modern football. This news has sent shockwaves through the football world. After months of swirling rumors and uncertainty regarding […]

Breaking!! Dallas gave him flashes — Atlanta could give him freedom. PFF believes the Falcons are the best landing spot for Cowboys All-Pro receiver George Pickens in free agency, citing role clarity and offensive fit. The potential impact is already fueling league-wide buzz.

Dallas Cowboys Face Franchise Tag Dilemma With All-Pro WR George Pickens The Dallas Cowboys are approaching a crucial offseason decision involving NFL All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens,…