The Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2023 preseason with a 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and there were players who both impressed and disappointed.

 

Kansas City started the game very flat, particularly on defense, and allowed New Orleans to jump out to a 17-0 lead. The defense struggled to make tackles in space, and couldn't generate pressure on the quarterback without star defensive tackle Chris Jones.

 

It was an impressive afternoon for the wide receiver room, with multiple young pieces making impacts. Justyn Ross was running crisp routes and scored a touchdown, and Cornell Powell and Rashee Rice each had three catches.

 

Punter Tommy Townsend also had a slow start to the season, having a pair of missed kicks that went under 40 yards. Townsend was an All-Pro last season.

 

The Chiefs next preseason game is Saturday night against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona.