Chiefs 2022 Preseason Opener: Takeaways From KC’s Showing

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The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2022 preseason schedule on Saturday. Though the final score resulted in a loss, Kansas City coaches have to be mostly pleased with the performances that they saw from certain players. Some guys battling for roster spots came through. Whereas with others, the Chiefs will be looking for some improvements in next week’s preseason game against Washington.

I had my notebook and pen ready throughout the first preseason game. After jotting down my top takeaways from KC’s showing, it is time to list the major ones that stood out. How did certain players possibly help their stock? What did the Chiefs tell us about some younger players, based on how they were used? With answers to those questions and more, let’s kick it off with our top takeaways.

Isiah Pacheco’s Power Is Overwhelming

The hype train on rookie running back Isiah Pacheco is hot and heavy. Throughout training camp, he has continued to rise up the depth chart, receiving snaps with the starting offense. He has also been able to showcase his versatility in other areas as well. Pacheco did not have to wait long to get some snaps on offense in Chicago.

He through some chip blocks, before releasing to run a route out of the backfield. Pacheco displayed his hard-nosed running style on a carry up the middle. Additionally, the Rutgers product gave the Chiefs a jolt down in the red zone. After catching a pass in the flats, Pacheco turned and lowered his shoulder, breaking a tackle with ease. This moment proved that his mix of size, speed and especially power can overwhelm opposing defenders. His hard work and natural ability have already paid dividends. Meanwhile, the Chiefs used him early in the game offensively, hinting that he is already fully in the picture and that he belongs.

Clark And Jones Looking Spry

We did not see a lot of Chris Jones or Frank Clark on Saturday. The tiny glimpses that we did see from them were certainly encouraging, however. This is something that will be talked about for most defenders coming into training camp. Heck, even the same commentary has been used about Jones in the past. For this crucial season on defense, it stood out even more, nonetheless.

Both of the veteran defensive linemen looked spry and appear to be in the best shape of their careers. Jones provided a third down sack on Justin Fields, killing the Bears first drive after three plays. He seemed to cover ground immediately by pushing vertically upfield.

Clark also provided a pressure when Fields rolled out to his right later on. It forced a difficult throw towards the sideline. We have already heard from Clark that he has altered his diet, no longer consuming red meat or alcohol. His weight is down. His physique looks tremendous right now. Overall, Kansas City and Clark could both benefit immensely from this development entering 2022.

Quickness And Tenacity Was Noticeable On Run Defense

Say what you will about the energy and attitude of a preseason game. Some reps may not be treated as importantly as others. Yet, from the start of the game, Kansas City’s run defense looked like they were playing with something to prove. Under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs have generally had slow starts to the season with their run defense. That is sometimes corrected late in the year. But, the Chiefs would love to see this style of run defense carry over to the regular season.

It was a point of emphasis by Kansas City to add more quickness and physicality on defense. They definitely did that this offseason, mostly from the incoming rookies alone. Some other veterans had some eye-popping run stops on Saturday. Defensive tackles Taylor Stallworth and Khalen Saunders swallowed up running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Willie Gay flashed early with a quick trigger when rolling downhill, to boot. If that speed and tenacity stretches into the regular season, the Chiefs will no longer be pushovers on run defense.

Rookies Handle Kick And Punt Return Duty Early

Nobody has necessarily won the kick and punt return jobs yet. Though, it was fascinating to see that rookies were leading the way in those spots early on during Saturday’s contest. We saw each of Trent McDuffie and Skyy Moore receive punt return opportunities. On the flip side, Pacheco was able to flash his vision and long speed as the kick returner.

Why is this development so important to note? Generally, it is rare for this Chiefs regime to throw rookies into the fire as the kick or punt returner. You have to show that the confidence and attention to detail are there. So far, these rookies have proven that this is a spot where they feel comfortable.

Skyy Moore Replacing Tyreek Hill Via Usage?

We have heard so much about if the Chiefs will be able to replace Tyreek Hill. The short answer is no. Nevertheless, this appears to be a much more balanced wide receiver room. Kansas City can still replace Hill in other ways too. That would be via their usage of the wide receivers.

If there was anyone that embodied that role all across the offensive formation, it was Moore on Saturday. He was the one who was extensively used in motion. On one of those occasions, Kansas City used him on a jet sweep after receiving a pop pass from Chad Henne. Elsewhere, we have seen plays in training camp where Moore is lining up in the backfield from time to time. He can also win from both in the slot and out wide as a pass catcher. Do not be surprised to see the rookie second rounder being used in ways that Hill was throughout his time with the Chiefs.

Do Not Sleep On The Burst Of Karlaftis

George Karlaftis had a strong day in the first preseason game of his NFL career. His ability to crash across the opposing blocker’s face allowed him to notch his first sack of the preseason. Arguably, Karlaftis looks to be bending the corner more efficiently than he did at Purdue. If so, Kansas City has to be pleased with the work that he has put in at training camp.

We heard during the NFL Draft that one of Karlaftis’ top traits is his relentlessness and motor. Overall, that was something that popped on numerous snaps for the defensive end. His ability to keep his feet moving and to keep pushing is something that is not immediately apparent for incoming rookie defensive linemen. All in all, the Chiefs found a nice blend of short area burst and power for their pass rush.

Noah Gray Looks More Comfortable

Tight end Noah Gray did not receive many pass catching opportunities last year as a rookie. Now in year two, he has already had a splendid training camp. The Duke product honestly looks like a different player this season. Gray showed more aggressiveness as a pass catcher on Saturday. That importance of attacking the football more at the catch point is terrific news for Kansas City. On top of that, the Chiefs have to be excited about his improved pass catching technique. Seeing that side of Gray could come in handy, especially with veteran tight end Blake Bell getting injured (hip) on Saturday.

Justin Watson Making Name For Himself In Tight Battle At Wide Receiver

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Entering the preseason, it felt like there were possibly two wide receiver spots up for grabs. The top four was set with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Moore and Mecole Hardman. However, one of those spots may already be locked up.

After coming over from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Justin Watson has received buzz from national media, tabbing him as a name to watch. His performance at training camp has continued to improve. He was also a reliable target in the game at Chicago. Watson finished with five receptions on six targets, good for 45 receiving yards and one touchdown catch. With how Chiefs coaches have raved about him, compared to other names battling for a wide receiver job, it would be surprising if Watson did not make the team. His Saturday showing solidified that.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.