The important thing is how have the Chiefs strengthened their team in the off-season and what are the prospects for some improvement this year?
Looking at the game in some detail and comparing the performances with the areas that need improvement should give us an indication of any progress.
At QB, Matt Cassel fumbled once. Brodie Croyle led one good 70 yard drive, but also had an interception. Tyler Palko was intercepted, but went on to lead a fourth quarter scoring drive. Verdict: not much to cheer about.
At running back Jamal Charles and rookie Dexter McCluster both had productive games.
Javier Arenas, rookie, had two excellent punt and kick off returns.
Defence held it's own.
Should we start to plan a Super Bowl Party? Bit early to say but the indications are positive (from very little evidence). Advice: don't book any hotel rooms just yet!
So, what is the purpose of the pre-season games? In one word – 53.
Players will be evaluated now on game performances not just practice. For example, Rookie free agent Jeremy Horne apparently got open deep twice but the QB's were unable to find him. For a rookie free agent this is a disaster! Maybe the coaches will see the fact that he got open as making him worthy of a roster spot. Maybe not. He should be paying the QB's to throw him the ball! That's the only way he makes the team – unless he's dynamite on special teams!
The pre-season is all about making the team, and it's not just the rookies. Some veteran players are sure to be released as well.
After just one game the players return to practice, knowing that one of their chances to get an NFL pay day is gone. This should focus the attention.
Next game – 21 Aug at Tampa Bay. Expect the coaches to go all out to win. Losing becomes a habit and they will want to stop losing. Expect some starters to play almost a half. For rookies, the time to impress is running out.
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