It didn't feel like a preseason game from the minute the Kansas City Chiefs got off the bus.
The entire Chiefs coaching staff was dressed in red Chiefs hats, pullovers, dark slacks and black shoes; the look screamed unity and for the most part, that's exactly how his team played, despite falling to the New Orleans Saints 17-13 on Friday night.
While the Saints won the coin toss, they elected to defer to the second half and kicked off.
Chiefs QB Alex Smith made the Saints and their fans pay, making his one and only drive of the game count. Smith led a 14-play, 80-yard drive that consumed six minutes and twenty-three seconds off the game clock, before ending with a one-yard TD run by Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles. 7-0 Chiefs.
Next up for Chiefs fans to watch was their new-look defense, which took the field against Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees, who led the Saints on a five-play drive, before Chiefs LB Tamba Hali pressured Brees into an incompletion, forcing a punt, where the fun for the Chiefs continued.
Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster, fresh off instruction from Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub, stepped back and caught the Saints punt inside his 10-yard line and weaved his way to his right sideline, where he sprinted for a gain of 55 yards.
McCluster shared his thoughts about the team's offense.
"This offense is amazing," McCluster said. "Everybody gets the ball and we have a great quarterback and offensive line and it's just running and gunning." Speaking of the offensive line, good news for Chiefs fans as x-rays on Eric Fisher's injured thumb were negative.
Following a holding penalty on the Saints, the Chiefs led by QB Chase Daniel, moved the ball eight yards, before Chiefs K Ryan Succop hit a 42-yard field goal, to give his team a 10-0 lead, which remained the score into the second quarter.
Saints QB Drew Brees remained in the game to open the second quarter, where he guided his team to the Chiefs six-yard line, before Saints K Garrett Hartley made good on a 24-yard FG. Score: 10-3 Chiefs.
The Saints and Chiefs traded punts on the next two series, followed by another Dustin Colquitt punt, which was downed by Jalil Brown on the Saints four-yard line.
Led by QB Luke McCown, the Saints marched the ball from their four-yard line to the Chiefs 24-yard line, before going for it on fourth-and-one. Chiefs DE Allen Bailey denied Saints RB Travaris, stuffing him for a two-yard loss.
Following the big stop, both teams exchanged drives with no points scored before the second-quarter clock struck all zeroes. Halftime score: 10-3 Chiefs.
Chiefs CB Sean Smith was excited about the team's performance, when asked at halftime.
"Man, it's exciting," Smith said. "Just the whole energy and vibe from the team. It's definitely a good day to be a Chief."
The Saints opened the third quarter with a 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a Luke McCown TD pass to WR Preston Parker. Score: 10-10.
Chiefs QB Tyler Bray entered the game on the team's first drive of the third quarter. Facing a third-and-eight, Bray was hit and stripped of the ball, recovered by the Saints.
One play later, Chiefs DB Tysyn Hartman intercepted Saints QB Luke McCown to get the ball back.
After a three-and-out, the Saints went on a 10-play, 82-yard drive that again ended in a two-yard TD to Saints WR Preston Parker. Score: 17-10 Saints.
On the ensuing kickoff, Chiefs rookie RB Knile Davis received the ball six yards deep in his own end zone and bolted 79 yards, down to the Saints 27-yard line. Following the quarter break, the Chiefs had to settle for a Ryan Succop 32-yard FG.
The fourth quarter continued with Chiefs QB Ricky Stanzi under center, but the Chiefs were unable to score.
72,080 fans filled the stadium.
Final score: 17-13 Saints.
We are only just beginning.
Catch the final days of Training Camp starting this Sunday.
