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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 15: Defensive end R. Mason Thomas #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs dropped to 0-2 in the preseason with a 16-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday evening.
It was another exhibition loss — but it was another low-scoring affair. The Chiefs’ defense has performed well this preseason, especially on third down. Opponents have been kept out of the end zone for the most part, and the rookies on defense have flashed their speed and athleticism.
Five things that stood out about the Chiefs’ loss to the Bucs in NFL preseason | The Kansas City Star
There were common themes— or purposes — with the initial wave of a defensive-filled draft class.
Athleticism. And speed at the line of scrimmage.
On back-to-back plays, they popped.
Mansoor Delane, the first-round cornerback, derailed a wide receiver screen when he read the call from the jump and forced David Sills to cut inside for a 1-yard loss.
A snap later, R Mason Thomas, the second-round edge, read another wide receiver screen and jumped in the lane to knock down a pass.
Chiefs can’t hold halftime lead in 16-15 loss to Buccaneers | KMBC 9
The Chiefs took 9-0 halftime lead behind three Harrison Butker fields, including a 69-yarder, but Tampa Bay rallied.
Kansas City’s defense, particularly through the first three quarters, did its job.
Rookie Emmett Johnson scored Kansas City’s only touchdown of the game and lone touchdown of the preseason.
Chiefs stock report: Rookies flash potential — again — in preseason loss to Bucs | The Athletic
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WR Jalen Royals
Second-year receiver Jalen Royals, after a slow start in training camp the last few weeks, had his best pro game. A 2025 fourth-round pick, Royals led the Chiefs with six catches for 51 yards while showing elusiveness in the open field.
“It was great to see Royals step up and have a couple nice catches,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “And then the yards after the catch, I thought, were nice. He did a nice job there.”
5 takeaways from Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason loss at Tampa Bay | KSHB 41
1. Do Chiefs have OT problem?
A rookie minicamp invitee, Benson was a pleasant surprise, but the reality of NFL life may be setting in. He was flagged for a false start later allowed a strip sack when Anthony Nelson beat him around the edge to get to Fields.
Moore also looked shaky in pass protection, albeit out of position, but that’s not a great place to be with a franchise QB returning from a major knee surgery.
“We don’t have all the guys out there, but I like the chances of looking at the young guys and seeing what we’ve got there,” Reid said. “I’m OK with the O-line. We’ve got to keep working, but we’ll be all right there.”
Patrick Mahomes says he’s ‘extremely confident’ he’ll play Week 1 vs. Broncos | FOX 4
While Mahomes has yet to see the field in the preseason following the torn ACL, he spoke about his return to play on the sideline with Trent Green in the Chiefs’ second preseason game vs. Tampa Bay.
“I’m ready to be on that field,” Mahomes said. “I’ll try to play next week, but that’s up to coach (Andy) Reid.”
Mahomes also stated that he tried to play in this week’s game, but that wasn’t his decision. He also stated that he’s “extremely confident” he’ll play against the defending AFC West champions in Week 1, barring any setbacks.
Around the NFL
Bills star DT Ed Oliver mourning tragic death of son | ESPN
The 2-year-old son of Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver died June 28 after he was found unresponsive in a swimming pool by family members at a residence outside Houston.
Oliver and his family have been mourning the tragic loss, and he is asking, according to a source close to him, for “privacy and prayers at this very difficult time.”
The Bills acknowledged the tragedy in a statement Saturday.
Browns’ Todd Monken not ready to name starting QB; Sanders scores, Watson peeved by boos | NFL.com
Was it enough for the second-year QB to earn the starting gig? Browns coach Todd Monken had mostly positive things to say after the game about Sanders’ play and approach.
“There’s a lot there to like,” Monken said. “He plays with a certain amount of confidence. He has gotten a lot better at getting rid of the ball. Certainly, he wants to make a play.
“I thought he did a lot of good things. I’m really proud of him and where he’s come from the moment I got here until now. Very impressive.”
Patriots rookie QB Behren Morton fills in at punter, then throws game-winning TD | Pro Football Talk
Morton did his most important job by playing well when running the offense late in the game, throwing the game-winning 37-yard touchdown pass in the final minute.
But Morton also showed he can be counted on in a pinch by punting very well after the Patriots’ regular punter, Bryce Baringer, left the game because he wasn’t feeling well. In Baringer’s absence, Morton punted three times for a 44.3-yard average.
“Tonight was fun. I wasn’t expecting to punt. It’s been since high school since I’ve punted. You’ve just got to make the most of your opportunity when it comes, so I tried to do that tonight,” Morton said.
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
5 instant takeaways from Chiefs’ Preseason Week 2
3. Kahlil Benson doesn’t look ready for right tackle
On two other plays, Benson poorly held up in pass protection; the second play led to a strip sack of quarterback Justin Fields, although Benson was aware enough to try and advance the fumble himself.
The Chiefs needed to see Benson in live action on the right edge; Saturday was a great challenge, with Tampa Bay’s starting defense seeing extended playing time.
It seemingly gave the answer Kansas City needed; Benson doesn’t...
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