The Kansas City Chiefs third and final preseason game wasn't all that exciting. Anytime an NFL contest ends in a 9-9 tie, which is what happened on Friday night against the visiting Seattle Seahawks, it's hard to find anything inspiring to say about it except, "Well, that happened."
While there was no official winner or loser in the actual game, we've got some individual hardware to hand out to fill in the gap. In a game that was vital for players on the roster bubble, some Chiefs helped themselves considerably (while others did not).
Winner: Andrew Armstrong
If the Chiefs somehow leave Andrew Armstrong out of the 53-man picture, it's not because he did anything wrong. Armstrong has been a real find this offseason after signing a reserve/futures deal back in January. He's a big, physical target who has impressed with his hands, blocking, and aggression. Each week presents another highlight, and the Chiefs would be silly to keep someone like Nikko Remigio over Armstrong at this point.
Loser: Nikko Remigio
Speaking of Remigio, it makes no sense to keep a player who is only a factor in the return game on the roster if he's not a game-breaking talent (e.g., Kadarius Toney). It's clear that Dave Toub likes Remigio and that he's a safe bet at the position, but the difference in dynamism was clear in this game between Brashard Smith (see below) and Remigio, and the latter didn't help himself in this final preseason tilt.
Winner: Brashard Smith
No other Chief helped himself on Friday as much as Brashard Smith. From his 57-yard kickoff return that flipped the field and electrified the crowd to his 72 rushing yards that led the team, Smith turned in the sort of effort that dares his team not to retain him. Smith looked his best in the ground game, and it's clear he's finding his footing (pun intended) there with more experience. A versatile weapon worth keeping.
Winner: R Mason Thomas
Watching R Mason Thomas come off the edge has been one of the most exciting elements of the Chiefs preseason. The burst is elite. The bend is amazing. It feels like a given that he will make one or two game-changing plays for K.C. this year. They've missed this sort of element in previous seasons, so here's hoping Steve Spagnuolo really gives him chances when it counts.
Winner: Emmett Johnson
Emmett Johnson looks the part. Not only did Johnson average 5.6 yards/carry in his limited reps (7 carries for 39 yards), but he also caught both of his targets. The Chiefs were wise to add Johnson via the draft despite already turning over the RB room with the free-agent additions of Kenneth Walker and Emari Demercado. Johnson is going to produce meaningful yards for a long time to come.
Loser: Melvin Smith Jr.
It was tough to see Melvin Smith Jr. leave the game on Friday with what was later described as a rib injury. Being a fringe roster player already makes it difficult to turn heads, but getting knocked out of the final preseason game robbed Smith of the chance to impress someone. Even if the Chiefs were going to release him regardless, there are practice squad spots at stake and game film to generate for other potentially interested teams.
Winner: Marcus Harris
It's hard for any defensive lineman so far down the depth chart to make his mark, but the Chiefs have more talent than they've had in years. After failed stints with the Texans, Patriots, and Bills, Harris looked like a long shot to make this Chiefs roster, but he's been an impact player up front in multiple games and looks like the ideal fill-in for Omarr Norman-Lott until he's healthy.
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