The Kansas City Chiefs secured their first win of the 2023 preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, managing to redeem themselves after suffering a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1.
While the preseason victory won’t count toward their effort to get back to the Super Bowl, the progress that Kansas City made against Arizona is sure to help the Chiefs as the regular season inches closer.
Several of the team’s lesser-known players stood out in the fantastic effort against Arizona and may have helped their case to earn a roster spot ahead of the NFL’s cut day later in August.
Check out which Chiefs put together the best performance against the Cardinals on Saturday:
(Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Smith-Marsette led Kansas City in yards per reception after grabbing four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown against Arizona. His upside as a returner on special teams may force the Chiefs’ hand to keep him on the 53-man roster after his standout performance on offense. With another big day against the Browns this week, he could be a lock to make the team.
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Christiansen managed to lead the Chiefs in tackles for a second-straight week and was flying around the field at State Farm Stadium as he helped Kansas City dominate the Cardinals’ offense. He has proven to be an active member of the defense when he is on the field and should be considered the front-runner to earn a spot as a depth linebacker on the Chiefs’ roster in 2023.
(AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Buechele’s preseason excellence is approaching legendary status, and he has managed to push veteran Blaine Gabbert for the Chiefs’ backup quarterback role next season. He ended his day against the Cardinals with 105 yards on a perfect 10-for10 passing. This performance may have been his best ever.
(John Cordes/AP Images for Panini)
Bootle is a sneaky-solid member of the Chiefs’ secondary and needed a showing like the one he put together against Arizona…
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