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KC Chiefs: Chase Daniel Shines In Preseason Opener

By Leigh Oleszczak

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The KC Chiefs opened the 2015 preseason on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. The Chiefs won by a score of 34-19.

Things got off to a slow start for the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night in Arizona when the Cardinals’ starters marched down the field and scored a touchdown on their first drive. During the Chiefs’ first possession, Alex Smith threw an interception, which allowed the Cardinals to tack on a field goal, making the game 10-0 early on.

The first touchdown of the game came when the Chiefs defense allowed Carson Palmer to hit Andre Ellington for 57 yards down the field, which got Arizona in the red zone. Ellington went on to plow his way into the end zone, and Palmer and most of the starters were done after that.

Kansas City’s defense settled in after that drive, as the Cardinals did not score again until the fourth quarter when Aaron Murray was sacked in the end zone for a safety. They later scored again in the final 30 seconds of the game.

The Chiefs’ offense also kicked it into high gear and put up an unanswered 31 points. Fans saw an impressive performance from backup quarterback Chase Daniel. Yes, Daniel was facing backups and you know… it’s a preseason game, but still. Daniel went 17 for 21 for 189 yards and three touchdowns.

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Daniel’s three touchdown passes were to Fred Williams (13 yards), Frankie Hammond Jr. (14 yards), and rookie Da’Ron Brown (3 yards).

Don’t look too much into anything regarding the preseason, as the most important thing is for teams to get some work in and avoid injuries. Still though, it was enjoyable watching Chase Daniel absolutely dominate out on the field.

The starters only played for the first quarter, but there were some interesting tidbits. The defense giving up a big play early was unexpected, but they settled in quickly and prevented any further damage from Arizona’s offense during their time on the field.

Alex Smith throwing an interception was weird to see, considering he only threw six last season, but he was taking more chances down the field. Heck, his first pass attempt was an incomplete deep ball to Jeremy Maclin down the field. Twitter nearly exploded.

The offensive line looked decent. Smith wasn’t sacked in the lone quarter he played in.

Player Stats

  • Alex Smith – 6 for 10, 42 yards, INT
  • Jamaal Charles – Did not play
  • Jeremy Maclin – 1 reception, 12 yards
  • Albert Wilson – 2 receptions, 15 yards
  • Travis Kelce – 2 receptions, 15 yards
  • Chase Daniel – 17 for 21, 189 yards, 3 TD
  • Knile Davis – 4 carries for 23 yards
  • Charcandrick West – 6 carries, 49 yards
  • Fred Williams – 6 receptions, 82 yards, TD
  • Da’Ron Brown – 4 receptions, 30 yards
  • Aaron Murray – 0 for 1, -4 yards, Sacked for safety
  • Darrin Reaves – 12 carries, 41 yards, TD
  • Ramik Wilson – Interception

The KC Chiefs will play their first home preseason game this Friday when the Seattle Seahawks come to Arrowhead Stadium.

Next: Predicting the 2015 Season Schedule

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