TIPSLIFEHACKS

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their preseason schedule with a hard-fought battle against the Arizona Cardinals, resulting in a narrow defeat. While preseason games often feature vanilla playcalling and limited action for key starters, Week 1 provided valuable opportunities for younger players and those battling for roster spots. This week's Chiefs Stock Watch breaks down the players who significantly raised their profiles and those who need to step up their game moving forward.

Risers: Players Who Impressed

Rashee Rice – Wide Receiver: The rookie wide receiver immediately made an impact, showcasing impressive route running and reliable hands. Rice consistently beat his defenders and made contested catches, proving he can be a valuable contributor to the Chiefs' offense. His performance suggests he’s ahead of schedule in his development and could carve out a significant role this season.

Wanya Morris – Offensive Tackle: With questions surrounding the offensive line, Morris’s performance was a welcome sight. He held his own against a strong Cardinals defensive front, demonstrating both strength and technique. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions are valuable assets for the Chiefs.

Chamarri Conner – Safety: Conner was a standout on special teams and showed flashes of potential in the secondary. His physicality and willingness to make plays earned him praise and solidified his position as a player to watch.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Defensive End: While limited, Anudike-Uzomah showed explosive power and potential as a pass rusher. The Chiefs are hoping he can develop into a key contributor to their defensive line, and Week 1 offered a glimpse of what he might be capable of.

Fallers: Players Who Need to Improve

Skyy Moore – Wide Receiver: Moore, entering his second season, needs to demonstrate consistent progress. While he has shown flashes of potential, his performance in Week 1 was underwhelming. He needs to improve his route running and create more separation to earn a more prominent role in the offense.

Isiah Pacheco – Running Back: While Pacheco is a key contributor, his fumbling issues resurfaced in the preseason game. Protecting the football is paramount, and he needs to address this issue to maintain his role as the lead back.

Several Offensive Linemen (Beyond Morris): Outside of Morris, the offensive line struggled at times, particularly in pass protection. The Chiefs need to find consistency and chemistry along the line to protect Patrick Mahomes and open up running lanes.

Overall Impressions & Looking Ahead

The preseason is about evaluating players and identifying areas for improvement. While the Chiefs fell short in Week 1, the game provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses. The performances of players like Rashee Rice and Wanya Morris offer reasons for optimism, while the struggles of others highlight areas that need to be addressed. The Chiefs have two more preseason games to fine-tune their roster and prepare for the regular season. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to compete for their spots on the team.

@EdEastonJr