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Chiefs vs. Seahawks: 10 Observations

The Chiefs fall to the Seahawks, 17-16, in their first game of the preseason

While the final score isn't what the Kansas City Chiefs wanted to see after their first preseason game, the fact is there's plenty to feel good about if you're the Chiefs.

Here are 10 observations from Saturday's game:

  1. First-team offense gets it going early

It didn't take long for the Chiefs offense to show an ability to efficiently move the ball against a very good Seahawks defense.

After a 34-yard kickoff return from Knile Davis, which also resulted in an additional 15 yards because of a facemask penalty, Alex Smith's first-team offense was able to put up a touchdown in just eight plays.

The drive culminated with a Spencer Ware 1-yard touchdown run.

For head coach Andy Reid, that drive sufficed and the newly acquired Nick Foles came in to relieve Smith at quarterback.

Smith finished the game 3 of 4 for 36 yards.

  1. Smith finds Jeremy Maclin on broken play

Before Ware could run it in from a yard out to put the Chiefs on the board, the offense had to convert a third-and-9 from the 20-yard line.

They were already in field goal position and didn't necessarily have to try and force anything, but Smith found an opportunity to make a play.

After he dropped back to pass, Smith's first read was to tight end Travis Kelce across the middle, but because a Seahawks defensive lineman had obstructed that throwing lane, Smith bailed out of the pocket and was forced to look down the field for another option.

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Maclin, who was lined upoutside to the left, saw Smith bail from the pocket and adjusted his route accordingly, and the two were perfectly in sync as Smith delivered a perfect pass down the left sideline to Maclin for 20 yards.

It was Maclin's only catch of the day, as he was given the rest of the day off after that first drive as well.

Smith admitted after the game that he knew what Maclin was going to do because of the time they have spent together. It's the chemistry they've developed together defined in one preseason play.

That conversion set upWare's 1-yard touchdown run.

  1. Marcus Peters continues to do Marcus Peters things

We've seen it every day at training campand then we saw it again on Saturday.

Marcus Peters just keeps making plays.

With the Seahawks first-team offense—led by quarterback Russell Wilson—driving deepin Kansas City territory and facing a first-and-10 from the 14-yard line, Wilson attempted a pass to Javon Kearse in the corner of the end zone.

Kearse actually had Peters turned around a bit on the route, but Peters had the ability to recover and break on the ball as Wilson threw it on the run.

Even when receivers seemingly do the right thing and create some space, Peters finds a way to close the gapand come away with the ball.

His impressive displays continue.

  1. LB Josh Mauga, CB Phillip Gaines don't play

Coming into the game, there weren't going to be many people surprised if veteran linebacker Josh Mauga or third-year cornerback Phillip Gaines didn't play.

Mauga hasn't practiced in pads in about a week because of a strained groin, and Gaines was limited in the few practices leading upto Saturday's game as he continues to work his way back from knee surgery.

Photos from the Chiefs first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks

  1. David King, Dezman Moses show an ability to get to the quarterback for the defense

Both defensive lineman David King and linebacker Dezman Moses showed an ability to disrupt a quarterback's plan on Saturday.

King finished with a team-high 3 quarterback hits, and Moses had a couple of hits and even chipped in with a pass defensed as well. King is competing for a roster spot in one of the deepest positional groups on the roster at defensive line, and Moses is hoping to show what he can do while fellow outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston aren't yet on the field.

  1. Chris Jones, DJ White flash for the rookies

It was the first opportunity for the team's 2016 draft class to get on the field at Arrowhead Stadium, and much like we've seen at training camp, second-round pick Chris Jones was tough to block in passing situations.

Earlier in the week, general manager John Dorsey said he's been surprised with the natural pass-rush ability Jones already possesses just a few months into his NFL career and without a regular-season game played.

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Jones was credited for just 2 tackles on the day, but the film will probably show a more disruptive day for the former Mississippi State Bulldog.

On the outside, former Georgia Tech cornerback D.J. White saw plenty of action and was able to make a few plays down the field as he competes for a roster spot as well.

  1. Charcandrick West gets loose for a long run

One of the offense's most explosive plays of the day came from running back Charcandrick West, who broke it open because of some great blocking by the guys upfront. West was able to get out and turn the corner and race 25 yards down the field.

West finished the game with 4 carries for 35 yards (8.8 yards per carry).

In case you missed our all-encompassing feature on West earlier this week, check out his journey to the NFL, which has been anything but an easy ride.

4. Rod Streater makes the catch of the day

He's quietly put together a really good camp because he doesn't seem to drop many passes, and the catch receiver Rod Streater made on Saturday was spectacular.

It was his only catch of the day, but he made it count.

  1. Cairo Santos finished a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals, including a 58-yarder

Midway through the third quarter, second-year kicker Cairo Santos lined upto attempt a 58-yard field goal with the Chiefs holding a 13-6 lead at the time.

And he nailed it.

Before that kick, Santos' longest field goal during the regular season had been 53 yards, which he made twice.

Santos hit from 58, 49 and 28 yards on the day as he finished a perfect 3 for 3.

  1. All five quarterbacks got on the field

Reid admitted after the game that he's never had to worry about getting five quarterbacks into a game before in his 17 years as an NFL head coach, but thanks to some quick work by the first-team offense, Smith was able to get out of there and Foles was ready to stepin and get his reps.

Bray followed Foles to finish out the second quarter, and then it was Aaron Murray and rookie Kevin Hogan who took care of the second half for the Chiefs offense.

Besides Mauga and Gaines, every player was able to get in the game on Saturday, allowing the personnel staff to get much needed film.

The only injury during the game for the Chiefs was second-year linebacker D.J. Alexander, who suffered a rib contusion but was able to return to the game.


The team resumes training campin St. Joseph, Missouri, on Monday morning after getting the day off on Sunday. Practice is set for 8:15 a.m.

You can find more information about campat Chiefs.com/trainingcamp.

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