Kansas City Chiefs: What to look for in first preseason game

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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 06: Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) celebrates a third down stop in the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card game between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs on January 6, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

How will the secondary look against real competition?

The Chiefs cornerback position has been the spot of weakness according to most fans this offseason. The trade of Marcus Peters has fans skeptical of the group. With Kendall Fuller coming over in the Alex Smith trade, the dropoff is not that significant. While he’s not Peters, he is a shutdown corner that can play more than one position.

David Amerson is another player that was brought in this offseason. His health and inconsistent play has fans worried, but could he make a rebound in a one-year prove it deal in a new system? Oakland has failed to develop any kind of cornerback production which makes me think that Amerson has a shot in Kansas City to turn his career around.

Steven Nelson is the lone remaining piece in the Chiefs cornerback room from a season ago. He missed the first half of last season due to injury and took a few games to come back to full form. Once he was back to full form and playing well, fans had already written him off.

Related Story. Can Steven Nelson take the next step in 2018. light

Nelson and Amerson have both had great training camps causing turnovers and sticking with their guys. Considering the talent the Chiefs have at wide receiver, that should be a good sign for fans who have little faith in the group. Now we will get to see them go up against more top talent Thursday night in an actual game situation.

Without schemes to help them, these players will be left one-on-one most of the time covering some top talents. How will they do when they can be physical with the receivers? Will they continue the sticky play that they have displayed in camp? Will we see some turnovers?

Look for sixth-round pick Tremon Smith and UDFA rookie Arrion Springs who will likely be starting with the second and third defenses. Both have been raved about all offseason. Smith will see some time returning kicks and punts as well. Could both of these guys not only find a spot on the roster but move up the depth chart if they perform well in preseason games?

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