Chiefs Have Plenty To Work On After Loss To Rams
Start writing a post
Sports

Chiefs Have Plenty To Work On After Loss To Rams

Kansas City suffered their second preseason loss to the Rams Saturday.

9
Chiefs Have Plenty To Work On After Loss To Rams
chiefs.com

The first-team offense for the Kansas City Chiefs looked solid once again in Week 2 of NFL preseason action, but the defense struggled at times against the Los Angeles Rams in a 21-20 Kansas City loss.

It was Kansas City's return to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the first time since 1994, and Alex Smith and company got things going early for the Chiefs' offense. On the first play of the game, Smith completed a nine-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce had three receptions in the game for 24 yards, including an eight-yard reception on third and nine at around midfield during the team's first drive.

Smith hooked up with Jeremy Maclin twice for 28 yards in the first drive, which was capped off by a touchdown run by Spencer Ware from two yards out.

The Chiefs defense, on the other hand, looked less than stellar against a Rams offense that figures to rely heavily on last season's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Todd Gurley. On the third play of the Rams drive, Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker was flagged for pass interference on a Case Keenum deep pass on the right side of the field intended for Kenny Britt. Parker was penalized 41 yards.

The penalty put the Rams at the Kansas City 17-yard line. Gurley needed only three more touches to put the ball in the end zone, tying the game at seven.

The Chiefs continued to move the ball on the Rams for the remainder of the first half, building a 20-14 lead heading into the locker room at halftime.

But the Chiefs defense looked vulnerable to the short dump passes from Keenum and first-round draft choice Jared Goff.

Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson noted that the unit struggled on stopping plays before they could be turned into a productive gain for the offense. "Regular plays that are usually two and three yards are going for five and six," Johnson said. "It's on the players, at the end of the day. We've got to stop the run."

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams showed the blitz occasionally. Chiefs quarterbacks were sacked three times Saturday, Smith twice and Aaron Murray once.

While trailing by one and having possession of the ball with 1:54 remaining in the game in the red zone, Murray fumbled the ball to give the Rams possession. The Chiefs got the ball back once more, but turned the ball over after four straight incompletions by Murray.

The Chiefs have yet to make a decision on who will be the third quarterback on the depth chart for this season. Three quarterbacks have been vying for the third spot: Tyler Bray, Kevin Hogan and Murray. Murray, who completed five passes on nine tries, was the only one of the three to get playing time Saturday. Bray has been battling a shoulder injury.

The Chiefs' offensive unit was the better of the two in regards to third down efficiency. Kansas City converted on third down 46 percent of the time (6-13), while the Rams only converted third down once on six tries.

Backup quarterback Nick Foles was efficient in his time behind center. Foles completed 18 of 22 passes, but only averaged six yards per completion. He threw neither a touchdown nor interception during his time at quarterback.

Maclin had a dust up with Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner with under a minute remaining in the first half. Maclin had gone after the collar of Joyner after a play, to which Joyner took exception to. The Rams cornerback retaliated and both players were ejected. "I don't necessarily agree with what (the refs) did," Maclin said. "But at the end of the day, I can't put myself in that position."

Next up, Kansas City travels to Chicago to take on the Bears this Saturday at noon.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70904
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132485
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments