The Postgame: Chiefs, Tyler Bray Take Down Packers

Aug 16, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tyler Bray (9) before the snap during the second half of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium. San Francisco won 15-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

VITALS

Score: Chiefs 30, Packers 8

It was over when: Tyler Bray threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Josh Bellamy with 6:03 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Chiefs a 20-6 lead. The Packers never mustered another offensive drive of value.

Player of the Game: Tyler Bray. Tyler Bray. Tyler Bray. 14-25, 169 yards, 3 TD, INT

Quote: “I was proud of him. He got a chance to show what he’s got. We knew what he had physically, but mentally he was on point.” – Chase Daniel discussion Tyler Bray

CELEBRATION GIF

ROOKIE RECAP

Let’s talk about Tyler Bray, shall we?

Bray looked very good in the final preseason game, well beyond where he was just four weeks ago. His interception in the third quarter was not a mental mistake, but an issue of not getting enough touch on the ball while throwing a go-route to Rico Richardson.

Bray was throwing on the run, from the pocket, deep, short, medium, over the middle, and from sideline to sideline. He has just about every throw in his arsenal other than the fade.

He did fumble once, which was fortunately recovered by Shaun Draughn, but for the most part he made the right decision and put the ball where it needed to be.

He’s got a ways to go still, and this game was against Green Bay’s backups. But Bray showed everything we needed to see to prove he deserved a spot on the roster.

53-MAN THOUGHTS

1. Draughn vs. Cyrus Gray

If the battle is going to be based off of this game for the third running back spot, then Gray was the clear winner. Gray ran with more purpose and more production, carrying the ball 13 times for 72 yards.

Draughn only had four carries in the game, but there is already a lot of NFL tape out on him. Gray certainly has the higher upside but Draughn is the more reliable option. It will be interesting to see what direction Kansas City goes here.

2. Bradley McDougald and Rico Richardson

Richardson didn’t get many targets Thursday night (2) while Junior Hemingway (10) and Josh Bellamy (5) combined for 15 targets. If the Chiefs are for sure moving forward with Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, Dexter McCluster, Devon Wylie, and A.J. Jenkins (who also have 5 targets last night), then there may not be enough room for more than one of Hemingway, Bellamy, and Richardson.

Look for Richardson to end up on the practice squad if the Chiefs only carry six wide receivers.

McDougald should end up on the 53-man. He shown a lot of promise and can be serviceable in special teams. It will probably require the Chiefs to carry six safeties but I don’t know if there are more than four cornerbacks who deserve to be on the roster at this point.

There is also the chance they let McDougald go and try to get him on the practice squad to keep a roster spot open for a corner who gets cut. However, I’m not sure McDougald makes it through waivers.

3. Tight end

Tony Moeaki is hurt and out for 12 weeks. Now Travis Kelce is getting an MRI on his knee, though he is expected to be fine. Kevin Brock and Demetrius Harris do not look like viable number two options.

The Chiefs are going to have to make a move for another tight end, and to do so it might mean Tony Moeaki is offered an injury settlement and let go. Either that, or the Chiefs are going to go into Jacksonville short-handed at tight end.

UP NEXT

Week one of the regular season is upon us. Kansas City will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars at noon. Giddy.

VICTORY!