Kansas City Chiefs: Quotes and Thoughts After Preseason Clash With Saints
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs may have lost their first preseason game to the New Orleans Saints, but considering the buzz surrounding the team, it sure doesn’t feel like the day after a loss.
Granted, this is the preseason, and we all know the wins and losses don’t matter. With that said, a good start is important, especially for a team with new faces in important places.
At first glance, it would appear as if Andy Reid’s team didn’t start the year strong, losing 17-13 to the Saints, but this game was more than just the final score.
The real story here was the offensive first team. Led by new quarterback Alex Smith, the Chiefs took the ball and drove the field with confidence. Smith went 7-of-8 for 68 yards and orchestrated a touchdown drive on the Chiefs first try. He spread the ball around, hitting four different receivers, and Jamaal Charles was able to punch it in from the one.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
It was just one drive in the preseason, but it offered a glimpse of what this team may be able to do under the experienced and watchful eye of coach Reid. According to Smith himself, via Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star, it was a step in the right direction:
"“It’s just one step,” new quarterback Alex Smith says. “It’s an early step. But … a little confirmation of where we’re going, and maybe what this thing will look like come the regular season and moving forward.”"
Dexter McCluster, on the other-hand, seemed excited about what the Chiefs brought to the table last night, according to a report from Reid Ferrin of KCChiefs.com:
"“This offense is amazing,” McCluster said. “Everybody gets the ball and we have a great quarterback and offensive line and it’s just running and gunning.”"
As far as I’m concerned?
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
I was impressed by the overall flow and tempo of the offense, and I am expecting a good year out of Smith. The NFL is a quarterback’s league, and the Chiefs will only go as far in 2013 as Smith is able to take them.
The good news is, Reid will put Smith in the best position to succeed, and No. 11 does have some playmakers around him. Charles is going to be a huge part of the offense, utilized as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield, and the tight end position could end up being an X-factor. Anthony Fasano is going to be a consistent target, and rookie Travis Kelce has the potential to really stretch the defense.There’s a lot to look forward to, and one can only assume that the offense will continue to mesh and grow as the preseason rolls on.
-Andrew Kulha
Editor, Arrowhead Addict