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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes II got the entire Browns game off, as there's simply no need for the world's greatest player to risk injury. He finished the preseason 12-of-17 for 120 yards and a touchdown. Shane Buechele, who's angling to dethrone journeyman Blaine Gabbert as the No. 2, didn't bolster his case in the finale. Though Buechele received praise from head coach Andy Reid last week, he completed only 8-of-17 throws against the Browns, including two interceptions (one being a pick-six). Unseating the dependable Gabbert, who has spent the past three years as Tom Brady's understudy, seems increasingly unlikely.
Running Backs
Lead runner Isiah Pacheco had just a single touch in Saturday's game, but seeing him in live action was refreshing. Pacheco had avoided contact drills during camp while rehabbing an ankle injury; now, he's evidently at 100% and ready to lead the rushing attack. Clyde Edwards-Helaire's spot on the roster appears secure; instead of being showcased for potential trades on Saturday, he scarcely saw the field. However, that doesn't necessarily cement his role in the offense, especially as former Jet La’Mical Perine seems to have surpassed him. Over the final two exhibitions, Perine turned 14 touches into 124 yards, including an impressive tackle-breaking touchdown catch. There’s no question that Coach Reid values multi-dimensional contributors, and Edwards-Helaire has rarely been effective as a receiver. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, among others, notes the undeniable impact Perine has made, both in games and in practices. In his 53-man roster projection, Taylor has the Chiefs keeping Perine over Deneric Prince.
Wide Receivers
Without Tyreek Hill on the field to dominate secondaries and vacuum target share, the coaches were able to get a look at the rest of the young roster. Rookie Rashee Rice has turned heads in the preseason, tallying 14 catches for 155 yards. However, Rice continues to struggle with drops, a problem dating back to his SMU days. It didn’t help that Rice coughed up three more catches against the Browns, including an easy touchdown. Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell points out that Rice has never been sure-handed, having dropped 24 passes over 44 college games. “He does this,” McDowell asserts. “It’s part of the package… There’s another question to ask, though: How much does it matter?” McDowell observes that Reid continued to target Rice despite the drops, and Rice seems committed to improvement. “I’m known for running after the catch, so I’ve just gotta figure out a way for me to fix trying to take off before I have the ball in my hands,” said Rice. There's also buzz about Justyn Ross, the once top-college recruit turned undrafted pro, who caught a touchdown on Saturday and earned high praise from his GM. If Kadarius Toney ends up on IR, Ross may stick around, likely behind special teamers Justin Watson and Richie James. Returning players Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore have been quiet this preseason but have less to prove compared to the newcomers.
Tight Ends
Behind him, the gears keep turning as Andy Reid aims to integrate multiple tight ends. Noah Gray, Kelce's direct backup, has carved out a significant role (712 snaps in 2022). Last year's oversized slot man, Jody Fortson, will probably miss the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery. Though the team re-signed deep reserve Blake Bell, he doesn't match Fortson's seam-stretching ability. This could create an opportunity for Kendall Blanton, a Super Bowl starter with the Rams. However, Chiefs writers aren't optimistic about his prospects, not helped by a near-fumble at the Browns' goal line.
Defense
The defense is more formidable than it often gets credit for, but that's contingent on All-Pro tackle Chris Jones being content and active. Last week, The Athletic’s Nate Taylor detailed how the defensive line is undermanned and overpaid without Jones in the lineup. He points out that the team "just doesn’t have enough quality defensive linemen" and "doesn’t have enough salary-cap space to add another trustworthy pass rusher." Should Jones remain unsigned into the regular season, this makeshift unit will struggle to keep up in high-scoring affairs, relying heavily on rookies and rotational specialists.
Returners
With Deneric Prince reportedly on the wrong side of the roster bubble, Richie James is the leading candidate to return both punts and kickoffs for Kansas City in 2023.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
If the preseason is to be believed, the Kansas City air attack is prepping to assault the league on all new levels. In throttling the Cardinals Saturday, their four quarterbacks completed 31-of-38 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns. Seventeen different players drew targets. Patrick Mahomes II appeared in command during his two series, showcasing his proficiency even in a “meaningless” tune-up game. Shane Buechele came in with the second team and promptly completed all ten throws, boosting what’s already been a truly dynamic preseason. Gabbert is a proven backup, and it’s up to Buechele to force the team to keep three quarterbacks, which it hasn’t done since 2019. However, they elevated him last November to keep the Cardinals from poaching him. Through two exhibitions, he is a dazzling 21-of-27 for 271 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception.
Running Backs
The running back situation remains top-heavy, with Isiah Pacheco set to lead upon his return. Pacheco missed contact drills in camp as he rehabbed an ankle injury, but he’s reportedly looking spry in his return. He and third-down specialist Jerick McKinnon are set to dominate snaps and touches, but the backups will also play important roles in specific packages. Perhaps the front office is taking trade calls on Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who drew the start in Saturday’s game. His camp has been quiet, while rookie Deneric Prince has turned heads at a much cheaper price tag. If the team hopes to showcase the former first-rounder for trade partners, they’ll need more than the 3.6 yards per touch he’s given. Edwards-Helaire is competing against La’Mical Perine, who looked dynamic in Saturday’s win, highlighted by runs of 8, 8, and 16 yards. “He’s got a knack, kind of does everything well,” coach Andy Reid said of Perine last week. “He’s good in the pass game, he’s good in protection, good in the run game, good eyes, vision, feet.” For his part, Prince has likely locked down a roster spot, if only as the primary kick returner.
Wide Receivers
The entire receiver room was involved this week. All told the four quarterbacks threw at least one ball to 17 different Chiefs, from high-pedigreed guys like Rashee Rice and Skyy Moore to camp bodies like Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Ty Fryfogle. Rice, who may be battling journeyman Richie James for a starting job, was the clear winner Saturday night. The second-rounder turned his nine targets into eight catches and 96 yards, including a pair of spectacular plays. Moore continues to draw much of his attention underneath; he looks explosive at times but lacks the traits of a clear alpha receiver. Veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling has emerged as the most experienced and stable option, which is a change from his years as a complementary deep threat. Given their uncertain roles once the roster is finalized, Justin Watson and Justyn Ross are the two most interesting contributors. Watson likely holds an edge, with a year in the system and glowing praise from Andy Reid. Importantly, he caught a touchdown with the starters on Saturday. The only receiver not contributing is Kadarius Toney, whose availability for Week 1 is uncertain.
Tight Ends
With nothing left to prove, future Hall-of-Famer Travis Kelce has spent camp reflecting on his career ascent. Kelce attributed his growth to the influence of Tony Gonzalez and Shannon Sharpe during his formative years. Further down the depth chart, Noah Gray holds relevance, given the Chiefs’ penchant for multiple-tight end sets. According to tight ends coach Tom Melvin, Gray has “done a great job” this summer. “We move him around to all the different positions we have, as far as the formations are concerned, and he’s able to handle all of those.” Gray should have a more significant role with Jody Fortson out for the season.
Defense
The team understands it wasn’t challenged Saturday by the banged-up Cardinals’ offensive reserves. Still, what they did was impressive. Arizona didn’t register a point until late in the first half. After a shaky preseason opener against the Saints, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group swarmed the Cardinals and allowed virtually nothing of note. “Defensive intensity reigned supreme,” Chiefs Wire’s John Dillon gushed at halftime. Dillon called out new free safety Bryan Cook, whom Spagnuolo praised last week as his “quarterback,” as a standout.
Offensive Line
Left tackle Donovan Smith has been impressive in limited preseason reps, particularly in pass protection, compared to the previous season. Tackle Jawaan Taylor settling in nicely. Rookie Wayna Morris has also been playing well. Morris may eventually replace Smith, but he still has much to learn and will be a swing tackle this season. International player Jason Godrick is making a run at the 53-man, possibly over Lucas Niang. Although we rank the Chiefs’ line 7th overall, there is top-3 potential.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
With two Lombardi Trophies, a pair of league MVPs, and three All-Pro honors under his belt, Patrick Mahomes II has nothing to prove in the preseason. It's reassuring to witness him navigate training camp in good health these days, even if it's just for a few formal snaps of live action. Mahomes led the opening drive in Sunday's game, completing both of his passes and scrambling once; he's fully fit and prepared for action. Behind him, veteran Blaine Gabbert is almost certainly securing the backup position. However, Shane Buechele, in his third Chiefs camp, refuses to fade away gracefully.
Running Backs
Surprisingly, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was given the starting role in Sunday's opener and managed five early touches, which can’t be a good sign for his role. Presumed starters and contributors tend to be known commodities at this point, and Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon have solidified their roles atop the depth chart. Andy Reid has all he needs between the two of them: Pacheco for early downs and McKinnon as a potent weapon in the passing game. This leaves Edwards-Helaire and his first-round pedigree as mere injury backup, making a trade a logical option. The team would still have La’Mical Perine, who brings regular-season experience, and impressive rookie Deneric Prince. Pacheco's success demonstrates that Reid and his team have no reservations about fielding an undrafted rookie, provided they put in the effort.
Wide Receivers
For the second straight preseason, beat writers and fantasy managers are grappling with the Chiefs’ mix-and-match group of receivers. Without JuJu Smith-Schuster on the roster, finding a consistent middle-of-the-field threat is a challenge. There is playmaking talent all around, from veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to electric youngsters Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice. In camp practices, Valdes-Scantling, Moore, and Justin Watson have been the “clear top three,” per Arrowhead Pride’s Price Carter. Yet, Rice, Justyn Ross, and special-teams player Richie James have managed to secure some first-team snaps and impress. In fact, Rice lined up all over the formation and caught three passes in Sunday's game while playing with Patrick Mahomes II. At the very least, he seems set for involvement in the screen game – undoubtedly, they’ll engineer ways to get him the ball. Both Watson and Ross have experience in the system, with Watson catching 15 receptions last year. However, Rice was brought in for his versatility and across-the-field playmaking. Ross, who dominated college football in 2019, scored a touchdown against the Cardinals, and return man James further complicates the puzzle. Ultimately, we may be overthinking things. Andy Reid and Mahomes proved last year just how capable they are of developing a winning, high-octane attack regardless of how the pieces fall.
Tight Ends
Drama is rare in the Chiefs' tight ends room, primarily because Travis Kelce, an all-time great, has been leading the pack for the past nine years. Nonetheless, this offense values and utilizes its reserves, warranting attention to the entire depth chart. Noah Gray and Jody Fortson made an impact in specific situations last year, and they'll undoubtedly see playing time and targets again, irrespective of Kelce's health. Fortson is currently nursing a shoulder injury that hasn't been extensively discussed, preventing him from participating in the preseason opener. This could mean even more responsibilities for Gray. Gray logged 712 snaps last year both behind and alongside Kelce, and Chiefs coaches have consistently praised his progress and role.
Defense
While the Chiefs are synonymous with their potent offense, they’ve leaned on their big-play defense – for better or worse – more often than many remember. Following a shaky preseason opener, the NFL community banded together to urge Chiefs management to bring All-Pro tackle Chris Jones back into camp. “If preseason action is to mean anything,” USA Today’s Robert Zeglinski figured Sunday night, “then how the Chiefs’ defense matched up with the New Orleans Saints had to be a massive win for Jones.” There's little doubt that Jones, one of the league's most disruptive defenders, will return to the reigning champions. The only uncertainty is the timing. Ian Rapoport said the team submitted a "substantial offer" last week. Undeniably, Jones, with 35 quarterback hits and 17.5 sacks in his last 23 games, is worth at least a win or two per year on his own.
Returners
The Chiefs signed Richie James in part due to his ability to contribute on special teams. So far, James is the team's top punt returner, and Deneric Prince will handle kickoff returns.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes II is healthy and showcasing his exceptional skills. As an elite quarterback, he has nothing to prove on the field, so his early focus has been on re-mastering the new coordinator Matt Nagy's system. The system shouldn't differ much from what has been successful for so long, and Mahomes is already familiar with Nagy from his rookie season. “Now where he’s at,” Nagy said last week, “he’s really, really good with protections – understanding what defenses are throwing at him.” He certainly seems comfortable with Mahomes leading the offense in the no-huddle, “Those are the easiest parts of his game.” Blaine Gabbert, the new backup, who is no stranger to Missouri and thrilled to be home, seems set to secure the clipboard.
Running Backs
Isiah Pacheco decisively won the lead-back role in 2022, and despite recovering from offseason surgery, he doesn't seem ready to give it up. Pacheco played through injuries towards the end of the 2022 season. While preseason play is unlikely, he's practicing, and all accounts expect him to be at full speed well before Week 1. During his absence, undrafted rookie Deneric Prince has taken the opportunity to impress, even catching Pacheco’s attention. Prince remains a roster dark horse, though one early opinion puts him in direct competition with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the final roster spot. Jerick McKinnon, who returned in free agency, should settle into his consistent pass-catching role, making that scenario plausible. There's also a chance some injury-stricken team might offer a late pick for Edwards-Helaire.
Wide Receivers
For the second consecutive year, the Chiefs have entered camp with a crowded receiving corps lacking clarity. JuJu Smith-Schuster, who saw 101 targets last year, is gone, leaving several specialist types competing for snaps. The most intriguing name among them is Kadarius Toney, who has shown flashes but lost 18 of his 37 NFL games to injury. Toney suffered a knee tweak on the first day of camp and underwent minor surgery, but coach Andy Reid gives him "a chance for the first game." Reid remains hopeful about Toney's return and outlook, stating, "He's a smart kid, so he picks his stuff up fairly easily." Patrick Mahomes II is also optimistic about Toney's potential for 2023 and beyond, expressing, "I'm excited for him to have a full season." However, projecting much among this relatively unknown group is difficult. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore, holdovers from the previous year, seem poised for more significant roles, but neither has yet established themselves as a dependable No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 receiver. Moore faces competition from Rashee Rice, a recent second-round pick with his explosiveness. Keep an eye on Justyn Ross, who impressed in last year's camp before a broken foot ended his season. There's a need for a big boundary receiver, and Ross has earned praise from the media and Mahomes. However, he'll also have to compete with Justin Watson, who gained Mahomes' trust and produced (21.0 yards per catch) in a limited 2022 role.
Tight Ends
Reports of the Chiefs' reserve tight ends impressing at camp have become a regular occurrence, with the focus now on Travis Kelce's direct backup, Noah Gray. Gray is no stranger after logging 712 snaps in 2012, catching 28 of his 34 targets along the way. Coordinator Matt Nagy recently praised Gray as “a great blend of two positions on our offense: the Y (inline blocker) and the U (receiver hybrid) position.” Although Kelce's position is secure, Gray has cemented himself as an every-week contributor and an elite tight end handcuff.
Defense
The defense is often criticized, but coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive, high-ceiling unit deserves more credit. This might be Spagnuolo's best group yet. Starting safety Justin Reid has noticed new habits and reasons for optimism, even with starters Frank Clark (edge) and Juan Thornhill (safety) playing elsewhere. "In previous training camps, it used to be when the offense wasn't scoring a lot of points, maybe it was because the offense had a bad day," Reid said last week. "But this year, the defense is playing well too. We're trying to make it hard on the offense." The edge position should see dynamic additions, with first-round rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah and ex-49er Charles Omenihu stepping in for Clark. Omenihu will serve a six-game suspension at the start of the year, but the group is well-stocked and appears deep enough to hold the line.
