7 Winners from the Chiefs’ final Preseason Game
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The Kansas City Chiefs don’t win in the preseason — but sometimes, the team doesn’t lose either! The starting defense and most of the offense took the field Friday night to give us a glimpse of what the 2026 Chiefs could look like, and it was pretty good.
The defense was difficult to run on, and even got pressure with only four pass rushers at times. On offense, rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier played the entire game and looked the part of a young backup. Tight end Travis Kelce got some reps, including a catch and a little dance. But the big story should be the renewed focus on the running game: 37 carries split among a variety of runners with pretty consistent success.
Here are a few Chiefs who stood out as Kansas City wrapped up the exhibition slate with a tie against the Seattle. Seahawks.
Winners
Defensive end R Mason Thomas: It doesn’t matter that it’s preseason, or who he was facing; Thomas just looks the part. He had a strip sack in this one along with some quick pressure on limited snaps. It’s not a stretch to say he’s already the most gifted edge rusher on the Chiefs’ defense, and the most promising speed rusher the team has drafted in recent years. He’ll keep getting better, but you can’t teach the explosion and the fight that he’s shown so far.
Running back Brashard Smith: The Chiefs have really been working on their run game, and for the final preseason game, it was all about Brashard Smith. Each running back looked good, but Smith got the longest look, with the most carries and yards on either team. He’s improved, he’s gotten stronger, and he broke off a 57-yard kick return. Smith should be a roster lock, but he also looks like a guy they’ll want to get on the field with the ball in his hands.
Defensive Tackle Peter Woods: He may have heard the criticism from the last two preseason games — or he may just have gotten healthier. Whatever happened, Peter Woods made his presence felt against the Seahawks. As a team, the Chiefs held their opponent to under 30 yards rushing by rallying to the ball and disrupting plays in the backfield. It was nice to see the rookie in the mix and looking good.
Cornerback Mansoor Delane: He moves at a different speed than the average corner, especially for a rookie. Another perfect form tackle for a loss this week; Delane looks ready to dominate.
Wide receiver Andrew Armstrong: He was the favorite target of Garrett Nussmeier this week, and for good reason. Armstrong continued to make his case for a roster spot with diving catches, sideline toe taps and physicality.
The Chiefs’ offensive line: The run game looked solid, regardless of the ball carrier — over 4 yards per carry. But pass protection took a step forward as well; from the starters to the backups, Nussmeier made it through the game without taking a sack. Perhaps it was the return of right guard Trey Smith. Perhaps there was a bit more urgency for the incumbents given the trade for Josh Ezeudu. Either way, it felt like a step in the right direction for the big uglies.
Defensive lineman Marcus Harris: He’s quietly put together a strong preseason and has a real chance to make an NFL roster this week. Marcus Harris helped close out this tie with three tackles in the closing minutes. His spot on the 53-man roster may depend on the health of some other guys, but Harris has done everything he can to make a strong impression.
Losers
I’m not sure it’s fair to call out many “losers” this week.
Sure, there were too many penalties, Nussmeier threw an interception and kicker Harrison Butker missed from 58 yards away.
We’ll find out on Sunday who did enough to earn a job, and who didn’t.
Hopefully, most of these guys will get a chance to continue chasing their NFL dreams even if not in Kansas City.
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