The Kansas City Chiefs' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams was a typical affair, with few starters and a focus on evaluating the roster. However, amidst the mundane, a few players stood out, leaving a lasting impression and potentially altering the team's trajectory. Here's a breakdown of the seven winners and four losers from the game, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
Garrett Nussmeier, Quarterback
Nussmeier, drafted late in the seventh round, showcased poise and creativity under pressure. His quick release and ability to make plays on the run were particularly impressive. While expectations were low, Nussmeier's performance hints at a potential breakout season. Personally, I think his ability to make something out of nothing could be a game-changer for the team's depth at quarterback. What makes this fascinating is the potential for a dark horse to emerge and challenge the established starters. Nussmeier's performance raises a deeper question: can a late-round draft pick truly make an impact?
Cyrus Allen, Wide Receiver
Allen's debut was not efficient, catching only two of five targets. However, his aggressive play and strong hands on a crucial 3rd and 8 play stood out. This is the type of play we've been longing to see from Chiefs receivers, and Allen's performance could be a turning point. In my opinion, his ability to make plays in traffic and attack the football is exactly what the team needs. What many people don't realize is that Allen's performance could be a sign of things to come for the entire receiver corps.
Emmett Johnson, Running Back
Johnson was arguably the player of the game for the Chiefs. His balance, strength, and vision on the ground were impressive, leading all rushers with 59 yards. Additionally, his involvement in the screen game and receiving targets showcase his versatility. Johnson's performance throughout the offseason program has been consistent, and if he keeps this up, he could force his way onto the field and up the depth chart. This raises a deeper question: can Johnson's performance translate to regular-season success?
Andrew Armstrong, Wide Receiver
Armstrong's blocking stood out, and his big-bodied frame could be a boon for the running game and screen plays. His 17-yard catch on his only target of the afternoon was a highlight, but it was his blocking that truly impressed. Armstrong might have taken a significant step towards winning a job on the team. From my perspective, his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball could be a game-changer for the depth chart.
Jaden Hicks, Safety
Hicks was a man on a mission against the Rams, with seven tackles, one for a loss, and a pass defended. After a promising rookie season, he seemed to earn the trust of his coaches. His performance in the preseason opener could be a turning point for his career. What this really suggests is that Hicks has the potential to become a cornerstone of the defense.
Harrison Butker, Kicker
Butker, the league's highest-paid kicker, was perfect 4/4 against the Rams, including a 59-yard line drive. His performance addresses concerns from the previous season, where he missed more kicks than any other kicker who retained his job. Butker's performance is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of his talent. Personally, I think his performance could be a sign of things to come for the team's special teams.
Mason Thomas, EDGE
Thomas displayed quickness and activity against the run, showcasing a rare blend of pass-rushing and run-stopping abilities. His performance could be a sign of things to come for the team's defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo. What this suggests is that Thomas might be breaking the mold and becoming a key component of the defense.
Losers
Emari Demercado, Running Back
Demercado's lack of involvement in the game, especially given his status as the presumptive No. 2 running back, is concerning. His nine yards on three carries and lack of targets in the passing game raise questions about the running back depth chart. If this is indicative of the team's strategy, the No. 10 spot might be up for grabs. This raises a deeper question: can the team find a consistent and reliable running back to complement the quarterback?
Peter Woods, Defensive Lineman
Woods, a 2026 first-round pick, failed to make an impact in the preseason opener. His quiet night, including a decent pass-rush snap and a bad run-defense snap, is a disappointment. While it's not cause for alarm, it would have been nice to see more from him. This raises a deeper question: can Woods live up to the hype and become a cornerstone of the defense?
Mason Pline, Tight End
Pline's performance was underwhelming, with a missed block leading to a sack deep in Chiefs territory. While the tight end position is a tough one to evaluate, Pline hasn't yet made his case. This raises a deeper question: can the team find a reliable tight end to contribute on both sides of the ball?
Backup Offensive Linemen
The offensive line unit struggled, with five false start penalties and three sacks taken by Nussmeier. Holding penalties also cost Johnson his first taste of the end zone. The depth of the offensive line remains a concern, and this performance doesn't bode well for the regular season. This raises a deeper question: can the team find a consistent and reliable offensive line to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes?
In conclusion, the Chiefs' preseason opener was a typical affair, but amidst the mundane, a few players stood out. Nussmeier, Allen, Johnson, Armstrong, Hicks, Butker, and Thomas left a lasting impression, while Demercado, Woods, Pline, and the backup offensive linemen struggled. As the regular season approaches, the team will need to evaluate these performances and make decisions that will shape the roster. What this really suggests is that the Chiefs have a lot of work to do to become a contender, but with the right moves, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
