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After fending off the Arizona Cardinals, 17-10, in Friday night’s second preseason game, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for an unbeaten season is still alive.
Yes … it’s ironic.
Heading into the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expected the starters to play about halfway – and this time around, he was close to the goal. The first team defense played most of the first half. Security Juan Thornhill topped it off with an incredible dive interception,
Meanwhile, the first-team offense – minus quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Tyreek Hill (hamstring) and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sprained ankle) – played all first. half time. Once again, the new offensive line impressed.
But Mahomes and Mecole Hardman displayed miscommunication issues, a recurring theme during their brief stint as teammates. While the duo connected on their first two targets, they missed the next four.
After the game, the quarterback discussed the mistakes with his quick third-year wide receiver.
“The first play in the end zone, I probably just have to throw the ball a little bit more touch,” said Mahomes. “I threw a little hard. I really tried to tear it up in there, and it was a little too high for him to get both hands on it. The second where he sort of ran across the field, it’s a game you always see us running with Tyreek (Hill), and we used to work on that moment to find the right spot because he has to speed up to beat this guy across the field. I don’t know who the other one was, but I thought he had a good game.
With Hill out for the game, it was a great opportunity for Hardman to silence his critics. The Georgia product finished with four catches for 39 yards and one touchdown.
That said, the night could have been more convincing if he and Mahomes had connected more cohesively.
“I wanted to say it went well,” Hardman told reporters after the game. “I think I could have caught the one in the corner of the end zone on the bench – it was just a communication problem between me and Pat – but that’s why we have to improve.”
Some fans may panic as there have been timing issues between these two players. But we have to remember that ideally Hill will also be present most of the time.
Plus, the preseason is all about fixing those kinds of issues. But if that continues to be a problem in the regular season, there could be cause for concern.
For now, enjoy the process.
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