The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 17-10, at State Farm Stadium on Friday night as the preseason continued in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Leading by a touchdown with just under two minutes remaining and facing a third-and-10, tailback Derrick Gore picked up 11 yards to move the chains and effectively secure the victory. It closed out a game in which the Chiefs led from start to finish, and despite a late Cardinals' rally, Gore's conversion ensured that Kansas City left the desert with a win.
Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes led three drives for Kansas City, completing 10-of-18 passes for 78 yards before exiting midway through the second quarter.
The Chiefs marched 15 plays on their opening drive, as Mahomes completed 5-of-8 passes for 42 yards – including two connections with wide receiver Mecole Hardman for a total of 19 yards – before kicker Harrison Butker put Kansas City in front with a 24-yard field goal.
The opening series included two fourth-down conversions – a five-yard reception by wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and a five-yard scramble by Mahomes – in what amounted to a textbook example of how preseason football can be beneficial in working on real-world situations.
"It's super valuable," Mahomes said. "I thought we did a great job on fourth down last year, so it's definitely something that we'll probably continue to do. It's [Head] Coach [Andy] Reid and [Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy] having confidence in us, and for me - if we're facing third-and-long – I know that if we're able to get it to a fourth-and-short situation, we'll more than likely have a chance to go for it."
Quarterback Chad Henne later came on in relief of Mahomes in the closing minutes of the second quarter and went on to lead a touchdown drive in his second series of work, as he floated a 17-yard pass to the end zone in the direction of Hardman, who adjusted his body to make a terrific catch for the score.
The scoring strike was immediately proceeded by a 41-yard connection down the middle of the field between Henne and wide receiver Byron Pringle, who led all receivers on the night with four catches for 63 yards.
The Chiefs' defense, meanwhile, was the story of the first half as Kansas City didn't yield a first down through Arizona's first four possessions. In fact, in the three drives that Cardinals' starting quarterback Kyler Murray led for Arizona, the Chiefs allowed net total of -1 yards.
That defensive effort was later punctuated when safety Juan Thornhill picked off Cardinals' quarterback Colt McCoy with a tremendous, diving catch in the end zone that thwarted a scoring threat and essentially ended the first half.
It was an exciting play for Thornhill, who is now a full season removed from the torn ACL that ended his rookie season.
"It felt great," Thornhill said. "Doing that on national TV and showing everybody that I can still play the way that I used to, that was a great feeling."
Rookie quarterback Shane Buechele – who led Kansas City's game-winning drive against San Francisco last week – took over under center to begin the second half and promptly led another scoring drive, completing 7-of-8 passes for 66 yards and a 5-yard touchdown strike to tailback Jerick McKinnon. The series - which covered 87 yards across 12 plays – made it 17 unanswered points to begin the game for Kansas City.
Arizona managed to muster a rally as the third quarter drew to a close - tallying 10 unanswered points to pull within a touchdown – but quarterback Anthony Gordon led the Chiefs deep into Cardinals' territory on their final drive to set up Gore's game-icing dash.
Tailback Darwin Thompson also put together a strong performance, tallying 49 rushing yards on eight carries. The former sixth-round pick chipped in two receptions for seven yards and tallied a 37-yard kickoff return late in the third quarter.
Elsewhere, wide receiver Daurice Fountain was once again impressive in the passing game with three catches for 54 yards, including a 41-yard reception deep down the sideline late in the third quarter.
In terms of injuries, cornerback Rashad Fenton didn't play due to a hamstring injury sustained prior to the game. Tailback Clyde Edwards-Helaire left with an ankle injury and tailback Darrel Williams is in the concussion protocol. Additionally, Reid elected not to play wide receiver Tyreek Hill (hamstring) as a precautionary measure.
The Chiefs will now head back home to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to wrap up the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, Aug. 27.
Game photos of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Arizona Cardinals.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on the sideline during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (50) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown (57) holds back his opponent during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) holds back his opponents during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) holds back his opponent during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to throw during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Joe Thuney (62) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna (51) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Darryl Williams (64) on the sideline during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) holds back his opponents during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton (45) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton (45) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs Guard Trey Smith (65) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (50) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne (4) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne (4) throws the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marlon Character (39) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Darrius Shepherd (9) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1)runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne (4) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) catches a pass during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) celebrates during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) on the sideline during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Zayne Anderson (6) tackles during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates with defensive back Juan Thornhill (22) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with defensive back Juan Thornhill (22) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) on the sideline during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Nick Allegretti (73) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Darius Harris (47) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (54) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback BoPete Keyes (29) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (50) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) hands off the ball to running back Derrick Gore (40) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter (12) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Taco Charlton (94) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Austin Edwards (60) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs huddle during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) runs the ball during preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Nick Allegretti (73) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Mike Remmers (75) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) after preseason game two against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021.
