Kansas City Chiefs Takeaways From First 2025 Preseason Game vs. Cardinals

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2025 preseason against the Arizona Cardinals, giving fans an early glimpse at both established stars and newcomers. While the scoreboard didn’t matter, the performances on the field certainly did. This first exhibition gave rookies, free-agent signings, and depth players a chance to show their skills. From early turnovers to notable offensive drives, several players made strong impressions in limited action.

Chiefs Rookie and Young Player Highlights

Rookie linebacker Brashard Smith made an immediate impact by recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff. His quick reaction set up the Chiefs in scoring position, a promising start for the young defender. Second-year safety Jaden Hicks also stood out, intercepting Kyler Murray on Arizona’s first drive. Undrafted rookie Mac Dalena saw meaningful snaps in the passing game. While targeted in high-pressure situations, his biggest opportunity came on a fourth-down end zone attempt, though the pass was intercepted. These moments showed both his potential and the learning curve ahead.

Quarterbacks Show Mixed Results

Patrick Mahomes had a brief but efficient outing, leading a quick touchdown drive on his only series. His rhythm and decision-making looked sharp, setting the tone for the offense’s opening moments. Gardner Minshew followed, displaying poise and mobility during his first drives in a Chiefs uniform. He connected with Robert Tonyan and rookie Jalen Royals before capping a scoring drive with a rushing touchdown, a strong debut for the veteran backup.

Offensive Standouts and Struggles

Jalen Royals flashed his playmaking potential with several key receptions. His route-running and hands stood out, even as the offense rotated quarterbacks. Tonyan also looked comfortable in his role, moving the chains on intermediate routes. Bailey Zappe had a more uneven performance, working short passes effectively but struggling on deeper throws. He threw multiple interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter, limiting the offense’s momentum late in the game.

Defensive Playmakers Shine

Second-year cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace made a strong case for more snaps, recording an interception in the second half. His ability to anticipate routes and close quickly was evident. Hicks’ earlier interception added to the secondary’s productive night. Veteran Janarius Robinson recorded the Chiefs’ only sack, using his length and power to disrupt the pocket. Linebacker Jack Cochrane forced a fumble on the opening kickoff, showing his special teams value. These plays reinforced the defense’s depth heading into the season. Chiefs safety Deon Bush also sustained a torn left Achilles tendon injury, during the game and will be out for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Final Thoughts

While the Chiefs didn’t leave Arizona with a preseason win, the night revealed plenty of positives. Young defenders like Hicks and Roland-Wallace proved capable of making big plays. Smith’s early fumble recovery was another encouraging sign for the linebacker room. Offensively, Royals and Tonyan showed chemistry with multiple quarterbacks, while Minshew looked ready to contribute if needed. For players on the roster bubble, these preseason moments will be crucial in shaping the final 53-man squad.