Chiefs v. 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo looks to redeem himself in Kansas City

Conclusion

Let’s be honest, the first preseason game was fun because football was back and any football is better than no football. That said, once the aura of Christmastime in August has finally worn off, you start to see these games for what they are.

Entrenched starters are really only getting themselves mentally prepared for the regular season. If their spot is locked down, not a single one of them is putting themselves in harm’s way to make a play. That doesn’t just affect the important plays, it affects the unimportant ones as well.

The third preseason game should be a little different, but not by much. We’ll still see largely vanilla playcalling by the offenses and defenses of both teams, and the starters will play less than promised.

What the preseason is really meant for are the fringe players trying to make the last five to ten spots on the team. Players like Herb Miller, who the team signed after a rookie mini-camp tryout. Normally, players like that don’t have any business making the team. However, Miller might have a shot and these last two games are it.

So, enjoy these last two contests for what they are. Players who have dedicated their whole lives to the pursuit of a dream. Some will achieve it and some won’t. But in the end, the team will get better and this team is going places.