Andy Reid didn’t need much time after the Chiefs’ preseason opener to identify the biggest issue.
Kansas City had plenty to sort through after the loss, but the head coach made it clear the conversation starts with discipline. The Chiefs were flagged 12 times for 101 penalty yards, and Reid put the spotlight squarely on that problem.
“Penalties,” Reid told reporters. “That would be the No. 1 thing to be cleaned up.”
There were still some positives for Kansas City, Reid said, including getting a first look at the younger players in game action. But the laundry kept piling up at the worst moments, and it repeatedly derailed drives.
The trouble started right away. On the opening offensive possession, second-year wide receiver Jalen Royals was called for offensive pass interference, and Kansas City ended up punting two plays later. The next drive didn’t last much longer after Ethan Driskell was flagged for offensive holding, forcing another punt two snaps later.
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Later, center Ethan Nourzad was called for holding, wiping out what had been a touchdown run by Emmett Johnson. Johnson’s four-yard score would have been the rookie’s first in his NFL debut, but instead the Chiefs had to settle for a field goal.
Kansas City spent most of the game ahead in what turned into a slow-moving field goal battle. But Los Angeles took control late, outscoring the Chiefs 14-3 in the fourth quarter to pull away. The Rams were much cleaner, finishing with only four penalties.
The Chiefs played without Patrick Mahomes, who continues to work his way back from a torn ACL. Rookie Garrett Nussmeier handled most of the snaps in his place.
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Chiefs Fans Have Extra Reason To Savor Arrowhead Tailgating This Year
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With a new stadium planned down the road, some longtime supporters are treating this stretch as a chance to soak up the old routine a little more intentionally. The Chiefs still have preseason and regular-season home dates ahead, but for fans who have built their Sundays around Arrowhead, there is a little extra emotion attached to every tailgate this year. [Read more 🡒]