4 winners (and 3 losers) from Chiefs preseason opener vs Cardinals

The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their first game of the 2025 preseason to the Arizona Cardinals, so in a discussion of winners and losers, technically that means the entire team would qualify for the latter category. Given that it's the preseason, however, no one is remotely concerned about the final 20-17 score at State Farm Stadium.

While the game itself was meaningless, the performances on the field were absolutely meaningful as rookies took their first reps as professionals and injured players tested their bodies. Some vets made their debut appearances in a Chiefs uniform, while other players tried out some new positions.

It's not an exhaustive list, but here are some winners and losers that stood out in the Chiefs' preseason opener.

Winner: Patrick Mahomes

One pass. One completion. One touchdown. It's hard to argue with the results here.

If we're being a bit more serious, Mahomes has to be feeling like a winner when looking at the role of blindside protector and seeing Josh Simmons playing well. It wasn't an extensive body of work in Arizona, but the Chiefs have to like what they saw from their first-round draft choice. Simmons handled his first real NFL reps like Chiefs Kingdom hoped he would.

Loser: Bailey Zappe

This was not a good night for Bailey Zappe.

The former New England Patriots quarterback came to the Chiefs with a solid arm and decent measurables, but the decision-making on display when taking over Andy Reid's offense left a lot to be desired—to put it mildly.

The truth is that Chris Oladokun looked better—much better—than Zappe on the night. Instead of forcing the Chiefs to consider keeping a third quarterback on the active roster, Zappe likely found himself wondering if K.C. even wants him as a scout team quarterback.

Winner: Christian Roland-Wallace

The biggest winner for the Chiefs on Saturday night was likely Christian Roland-Wallace, a versatile defensive back who is a coaches favorite and strong core special teamer.

Against the Cardinals, Roland-Wallace not only flashed impressive instincts but he also came away with two turnovers in the first half. He opened the game by forcing a fumble from the hands of Arizona receiver Greg Dortch. Then in the second quarter, he intercepted an overthrown pass from Clayton Tune.

What's even more impressive is that Roland-Wallace looked good taking snaps at safety in the wake of injuries in the secondary. He's got the ability to play all over for the Chiefs, and the first preseason game left little doubt about his value to the roster in 2025.

Loser: Joshua Williams

Joshua Williams was already much lower in the pecking order in training camp than expected, given the fact that he's played in 50 games and started 12 over the last three seasons for the Chiefs. Instead of a motivated contract year,

Williams is fighting for a job of any kind in K.C., and the fact that the fourth-year cornerback was playing behind so many competitors in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals only furthers the belief that he could be trade bait for Brett Veach.

Winner: Jeffrey Bassa

Chiefs fans who were passionate enough to watch all four quarters of preseason football were treated to the elite instincts and excellent burst of linebacker Jeffrey Bassa.

Bassa was the Chiefs' fifth-round choice in the 2025 draft, and he put on a show on several plays, getting behind the line of scrimmage for tackles and/or showing great closing speed when zeroing in on ball carriers.

The Chiefs look like they have a great late-round find in Bassa, and he's a player who is capable of climbing the depth chart as the season goes on.

Loser: Ethan Driskell

The Chiefs are sorting out which backup offensive linemen are in serious contention for a final roster spot, which makes this the worst time for Ethan Driskell to be unavailable to play. Driskell was the only surprise among injured players coming into the Chiefs' first preseason game, which won't help his push to make the roster.

Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor, and Jaylon Moore are the obvious top three tackles making the 53-man roster, with Wanya Morris as a solid bet to go with them. But Esa Pole is also in the mix as a promising young player.

The Chiefs kept Driskell on the active roster all year in 2024, so it's clear that they love his potential, but another offseason with the team could bring greater competition. Driskell has to hope to put together some solid film in the next exhibition.

Winner: Jason Brownlee

Jason Brownlee is hoping there's room for more hype at the wide receiver position these days, because his performance on Saturday night certainly warrants it.

Brownlee came to the Chiefs last winter after trying to make his presence felt with the New York Jets. He's looked good in training camp yet remained in the shadow of Tyquan Thornton, as far as newcomers go. However, Brownlee came up with a couple of big plays against Arizona, including a leaping back-shoulder catch on Mahomes' touchdown toss.

Depending on how injuries go and the timing of Rashee Rice's expected suspension, Brownlee could force himself into the active roster picture.