Kansas City Chiefs Week 3 Preseason Players Takeaways
The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason finale against Chicago didn’t end with confetti or celebration, but it certainly left plenty to feel good about. While the Bears managed a dramatic 29-27 comeback victory, the real story was how Patrick Mahomes and the first-team offense looked absolutely lethal when it mattered.
Mahomes and the Starters Steal the Show
Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone why he’s the face of this franchise, going 8-of-13 for 143 yards and a touchdown in just over a quarter of work. The reigning Super Bowl MVP looked sharp, poised and ready to pick apart defenses once again.
More importantly, the offensive line that’s been a question mark all preseason finally showed up. After getting manhandled in previous games against Arizona and Seattle, they gave Mahomes the protection he needed to operate. Left tackle Kingsley Suamataia, who’s been under intense scrutiny, had his best outing yet.
“I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead and get real reps,” Mahomes said postgame. That confidence was evident on every snap.
The Chiefs Supporting Cast Delivers
Rashee Rice hauled in a touchdown pass, continuing to build chemistry with his quarterback despite his off-field legal issues. Isiah Pacheco bulldozed his way into the end zone, showing the power running game remains intact.
The only blemish? Kareem Hunt dropped a sure touchdown pass in the red zone. In a game where every rep counts before the regular season, that’s the kind of mistake that sticks with you.
Tyson Bagent Plays Spoiler for Chicago
While the Chiefs’ starters dominated early, building a commanding 20-3 lead, it was Chicago’s backup quarterback who stole the headlines. Tyson Bagent, fresh off signing a two-year, $10 million extension, orchestrated a brilliant comeback performance.
The former Division II star from Shepherd University went 20-of-28 for 212 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to Jahdae Walker with three seconds remaining. Bagent’s emotional reaction to his contract extension went viral earlier this week, and his performance validated every penny.
What This Means Moving Forward
Let’s be clear about what matters here. The Chiefs got what they needed from their starters before pulling them for the night. The 20-3 lead they built wasn’t luck or good fortune against a weak opponent. This was systematic domination against a Bears defense that had just blanked Buffalo 38-0 the week prior.
Chicago’s first-team offense, led by rookie Caleb Williams, managed just 113 yards and one touchdown against Kansas City’s defense. Williams looked overwhelmed early, and the Bears punted on their first two possessions before finally finding rhythm late in the second quarter.
The Real Test Awaits
None of this changes the fact that preseason games are glorified scrimmages. However, after weeks of concerning performances, seeing the Chiefs’ first-team units execute at a high level provides genuine optimism heading into the regular season.
The defense forced early stops, the offensive line protected Mahomes and the skill position players made plays when called upon. That’s the formula that’s brought two Super Bowl titles to Kansas City in the past five years.
In two weeks, when the Chiefs face the Chargers in Brazil for their season opener, none of Friday night’s final score will matter. What will matter is whether this performance was a preview of things to come or just another meaningless preseason tease.
Based on what we saw from the starters, Kansas City looks ready to make another run at a championship once again.
