The Kansas City Chiefs began the preseason on the road, dropping a close 20-17 contest at the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 9 in Glendale, Arizona.
The Chiefs needed just two plays after recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff to see what they needed from Patrick Mahomes, as QB1 threw a touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee on the second official play of the drive. The touchdown had been set up by a defensive pass interference call from the five-yard line. The Chiefs’ defense would have their first big play of the year, when Jayden Hicks intercepted Kyler Murray in the red zone. The Cardinals would have a Chad Ryland field goal from 33 yards.
Gardner Minshew shored up his case to become Mahomes’ main backup by way of a two-yard touchdown scamper to make the score 14-3. Bailey Zappe would then come in as the Chiefs signal caller, with his first drive ending in an interception on a pass intended for Jalen Royals. The responding drive saw Jacoby Brissett throw the first of his two touchdowns, leading the Cardinals to a 17-14 halftime score.
The only scores in the second half were field goals set up by interceptions. Clayton Tune was picked off by Christian Roland-Wallace, who also had the fumble recovery to start the game. The pick led to Harrison Butker’s 58-yard field goal to tie the game. A second Zappe interception resulted in Ryland giving the Cardinals the lead for good with a 50-yard field goal. Fourth-string quarterback Chris Oladokun attempted to engineer a comeback, running on fourth and four for 26 yards. However, a pair of penalties would stall the drive, allowing Arizona to get the ball back and run out the clock.
That scamper made Oladokun the Chiefs’ leading rusher, as nine different players recorded a total of 92 yards on the ground. Zappe threw for 70 yards with an 8-for-17 mark, including two interceptions and taking a seven-yard sack. Tight end Robert Tonyan made three catches for 49 yards, including a 20-yard reception. Janarius Robinson recorded the Chiefs’ only sack, while Joshua Williams and Nohl Williams both had tackles for a loss.
The Chiefs will again travel west for a preseason contest, visiting the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night. Kickoff will be at 9 p.m., with pregame at 8 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9.