The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday and played about as dominating of a game as you will find in the preseason. The first, second, and third-team units had standout performers.
Last week, the New Orleans Saints got off to a 17-0 start on the Chiefs and this week the Chiefs did the exact same to the Cardinals. The first-team offense only saw three drives because they showed a good rhythm lacking from the previous week.
Ultimately, their performance sparked a 38-10 victory over Arizona after the rest of the team followed suit. Let’s dive into who contributed most to making that happen.
Special teams game ball: Harrison Butker
For the second straight week, Butker is our winner here and that is because it is the second straight week Butker was perfect on the day. He converted his lone field goal attempt and was five for five in his extra-point attempts.
This is a good sign as we edge closer to the regular season. Butker had some rocky moments last year but after taking a longer rest than usual this offseason, he seems to be in a good place.
Offense game ball(s): All four quarterbacks
Any quarterback, aside from Chris Oladokun could have been deserving here. Patrick Mahomes got in and got out, completing 10 of his 15 passes for 105 yards and throwing a touchdown to Justin Watson. On his touchdown drive, he led the Chiefs 92 yards down the field completing passes to six different receivers.
Shane Buechele went a perfect 10 for 10 on the day, also throwing for 105 yards on the day. Andy Reid decided to slot in Buechele ahead of Blaine Gabbert this week, so it is up in the air what that actually means for the competition for the second-string quarterback position.
Blaine Gabbert had a perfect quarterback rating on the day and Oladkun drove the Chiefs down the field for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. All-in-all, the four of them combined for 31 of 38 for 393 yards and three touchdowns. Reid had to be thrilled with their performance.
Defense game ball: Cole Christiansen
For the second straight week, it was Cole Christiansen that led the Chiefs in tackles. After tallying seven last week, he reached eight against the Cardinals. The third-year linebacker out of Army is doing everything he can to get into the discussion for the fifth linebacker spot that is currently being held by Jack Cochrane.
Rookie game ball: Rashee Rice
This year's second-round pick, wide receiver Rashee Rice was the star of the show in Arizona Saturday night. The Chiefs need somebody in the receiver room to step up and Rice would be a pleasant surprise if he was the one. First-year receivers do not do much in the way of breaking out statistically in the Reid tenure here in Kansas City.
Rice showed his potential against the Cardinals by racking up 96 yards on eight catches. Of those eight catches, three of them came from different quarterbacks, which shows his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
It is doubtful Mahomes plays much, if at all against the Cleveland Browns next Saturday, but it will be interesting to see how Rice follows up this performance.
If there was an honorable mention category, Ihmir Smith-Marsette would be on that list. The third-year wideout tallied 92 yards and a touchdown on his four catches.
2023 fourth-round pick, Chamarri Conner also flashed well. He was third on the team in tackles and had a pass defense. He may have not had the most stats in the box score, but the eyeball test would tell you he has real ability after getting a sack last week as well.
There you have it, Chiefs fans. Who are you predicting will show up on this list on our final preseason installment next week against the Browns?