Kansas City Chiefs dominate Cincinnati Bengals in preseason opener
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs looked dominant even in the most vanilla schemes against the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason opener.
If this turns out to be a Super Bowl season for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019, fingers will point back to the very beginning of the preseason to prove the evidence was there all along.
Despite having nothing at stake and masking any sense of complexity, the Chiefs made quick work of the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium in the preseason opener for both teams in a 38-17 victory.
In the opening quarter, the Bengals and Chiefs offenses traded touchdown drives against fairly pitiful defensive efforts. If the Bengals take anything positive from the game, it will be the way Andy Dalton and company were able to move the chains despite the lack of A.J. Green against the Chiefs first team defense.
Patrick Mahomes looked as impressive as ever, going 4 for 4 in limited action for 66 yards, including a beautiful 36-yard strike to Travis Kelce to start the offensive series. Carlos Hyde ran in a one-yard touchdown to complete the drive that also showed great restraint from Mahomes on a potential run into the end zone. Instead, Mahomes slid short of his goal in order to avoid any potential injury.
From there, the Chiefs overall depth and talent level showed itself supreme to the Bengals as the Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime and took advantage of a myriad of Cincy’s mistakes and turnovers. Highlights for the Chiefs included seeing so many young players perform admirably, including a strong showing by recent offensive draft picks Mecole Hardman and Darwin Thompson, who could add new layers to an already dangerous offense.
The Chiefs travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers next Saturday for their second preseason game.