NFL Analysis: Preseason Week 2 Chiefs vs Cardinals

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In the recent preseason clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals, Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season was brimming with intrigue and action. With the Chiefs bringing out their star players for most of the first half and the Cardinals having to cope without their starting quarterback Kyler Murray, the dynamics of the game were skewed from the get-go. Chiefs keep being favorites to NFL Lines.

An electrifying 17-0 lead was quickly established by the Chiefs, emphasizing their dominance in the early moments of the game. However, the Cardinals demonstrated resilience. Rookie quarterback Clayton Tune, who was at the helm in Murray’s absence, drove Arizona to a spirited last-second touchdown, narrowing the Chiefs’ lead to just ten points by the half-time whistle.

What added an element of drama to the match was the Cardinals’ new head coach, Jonathan Gannon. Formerly the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run, this game presented Gannon an opportunity to seek vengeance. The Chiefs, led by the ever-impressive Patrick Mahomes, seemed to be in total control, with Mahomes finishing the game with a commendable 10-of-15 for 105 yards, including a touchdown.

Yet, the Chiefs had their fair share of struggles. Early missteps during their first series – from dropped passes to penalties – hindered their progression. However, they soon found their rhythm with a dazzling 10-play, 92-yard drive culminating in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Justin Watson. That momentum led them to a decisive 38-10 victory over the Cardinals.

Let’s see what is Up to Rashee Rice this Season

Highlighting individual performances, Rashee Rice, the rookie receiver for Kansas City, proved why he was a coveted second-round pick, racking up eight catches for 96 yards. The game also provided insights into both teams’ trajectories for the upcoming season. With the Chiefs looking strong and predicted to be a top-tier NFL team, the Cardinals have more substantial challenges ahead, especially with their franchise quarterback Murray recovering from a significant ACL injury. Until Murray is back, don’t expect NFL Odds to look great for Arizona.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Cardinals. Colt McCoy showed promise, while the younger Clayton Tune displayed promise, amassing 133 yards from 12 of 24 passes and contributing 35 yards rushing. They even showcased their potential by reducing the deficit to 17-10, courtesy of Keaontay Ingram’s touchdown and Matt Prater’s 54-yard field goal. Still, the Chiefs’ prowess shone through as they closed the game with a string of 21 consecutive points.

Behind Mahomes, Kansas City’s arsenal of backup quarterbacks showcased their depth. Shane Buechele’s perfect 10-of-10 for 105 yards and Blaine Gabbert’s 120 yards with two touchdowns stood out. Cumulatively, the Chiefs’ quarterbacks exhibited a stellar performance, racking up 393 yards and three touchdowns.

On the defensive front, Arizona’s decision to move Isaiah Simmons to safety was a focal point. While Simmons faced challenges, including a few plays where he was bested, coach Gannon acknowledged the need to reduce explosive plays against their defense.

Other notable performances included Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, who showcased defensive prowess, while the Cardinals’ Zaven Collins and Jalen Thompson made significant contributions. Offensively, the spotlight remained on Rashee Rice and rookie quarterback Clayton Tune, with the latter’s connection with receivers Andre Baccellia and Greg Dortch, particularly standing out.

Protection for the quarterbacks was paramount. Kansas City’s offensive line ensured that their star player, Mahomes, remained untouched. However, the Cardinals’ offensive unit, despite showing promise, had its lapses, particularly with rookie Paris Johnson allowing a quarterback hurry.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the Chiefs’ first visit to the State Farm Stadium. They previously triumphed over the Cardinals 44-21 in the prior year’s season opener and returned for a victorious Super Bowl clash against the Eagles. Their recent preseason game marks the third encounter at this venue, with the Chiefs emerging as victors each time.

In conclusion, while preseason games might not count for season records, they set the tone for the forthcoming NFL season. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals showcased promise, but the reigning champions, Chiefs, made a bold statement, asserting their dominance in this enthralling encounter.