KC Chiefs vs. 49ers: Key takeaways from the preseason opener
The NFL season is right around the corner and Week 1 of the preseason signifies how close we are to meaningful games again. The preseason is important for teams to put what they have done in training camp into a live game. The results of the games are not that important. What is important is that the team executes its plays and players continue to develop and grow their understanding and talent on the field.
The K.C. Chiefs are no different despite the fact that the team has been to the Super Bowl the last two seasons. This preseason may be the most important in some time because of the amount of turnover on the roster. The Chiefs’ main goal for this preseason is to build chemistry, especially on the offensive line.
Kansas City played its first preseason game against San Francisco on Saturday night, and there were a number of things that fans should take away from this one.
Solid Offensive Line Play
Andy Reid announced earlier in the week that the starting offensive line would play the entire first quarter. Reid did this because this offensive line consists of five new starters, including three rookies.
It is monumental for chemistry to develop within an offensive line. The Chiefs’ offensive front needs as many reps together as possible leading up to the regular season. The revamped offensive line has had little time to play with each other, but reports from training camp have sounded very positive. Those reports were shown to be true on Saturday night.
The offensive line play against the 49ers was very solid. Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne each had time to survey the field and deliver the ball on time. On the first play of the game, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was given a huge running lane, and the second-year running back took the carry for 10 yards. Run blocking has been something that last season’s offensive line struggled with, especially in the red zone. It was pleasant to see the offensive line create space for Edwards-Helaire.
Rookies Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Lucas Niang, all had solid outings. There were no glaring mistakes or mishaps, and each of them seem to be poised for starting roles this season. Kansas City’s offensive line looks solid heading into week two of preseason.