Chiefs hold 17-0 lead late in first half
The world champion Kansas City Chiefs are in Phoenix to play the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Preseason’s Week 2. The Chiefs are 0-1 in exhibition action after a 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. The Cardinals are coming off an 18-17 victory over the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener.
Arizona won the opening coin toss, deferring to the second half. The Chiefs started with the ball.
The Chiefs’ starting offense came out with a third down immediately, following a clean drop by rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice. On third down, a completion to wide receiver Justin Watson was negated by offensive pass interference. The corresponding third and long failed to be converted with a screen to running back Jerick McKinnon. The Chiefs punted away.
On the Cardinals’ opening drive, the Chiefs’ defensive line noticeably caused disruption. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson got some push on the first two plays. On third and four, cornerback Trent McDuffie drove on a short pass and tackled the receiver short of the sticks.
The first-team offense stumbled out of the gates in their second drop as well, but some Mahomes magic moved the chains. On third down, he scrambled right and threw back across the middle to tight end Travis Kelce to move the chains. The following third down was nearly converted with another magical throw on the sideline, but the ball fell incomplete. Kansas City punted again.
The Chiefs’ starting defense took the field for their second drive of the game with rookie defensive tackle Keondre Coburn in the lineup. He penetrated the pocket on his first snap, but the Cardinals moved the chains anyway. A few snaps later, Arizona converted a third down with a completion that beat safety Bryan Cook in man coverage.
