The Chiefs lost to the San Francisco 49ers in their third preseason game of the season 27-17. Here are my top five takeaways from the game:
Damien Williams is the clear starter
In the last couple of weeks, Darwin Thompson has been getting a lot of attention. He looked like the best running back on the roster, with some considering him to be the No.1 running back over the incumbent starter, Williams. That narrative was quickly shut down against the 49ers as Williams had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He only had one carry for two yards, but with a performance like that through the air, do the Chiefs even need him to run the ball?
It was great to see Williams have this type of game. It really shows how dynamic this running back group is as a whole. Thompson and Darrell Williams that can grind out some tough yardage and complement what Damien Williams brings to the table.
The Chiefs have talent at every offensive skill position, and Williams should not be considered the little brother to Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins. I don’t believe that Williams will be leading the league in rushing or be the Chiefs’ No. 1 option, but he is going to surprise people this year being a starter for a complete season. It won’t be long before he’s no longer living in the shadow of former Chiefs starter Kareem Hunt.
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Patrick Mahomes is a very competitive person
Mahomes gave Chiefs fans a scare with his headfirst dive in the second quarter. I probably don’t need to remind you this is the preseason, when the games don’t count. Seeing Mahomes out there and willfully putting his body on the line to get a first down was a bit jarring. This isn’t the first time that we have seen Mahomes scramble this preseason either.
Although seeing Mahomes make plays like this during the preseason is scary, its also reassuring that the reigning league MVP is still motivated to give everything he can to win a game. He can’t just turn off that competitive drive, even if it means getting hit in a meaningless game.
Mahomes later explained that he needs to get hit to get himself prepared for the regular season. Whatever the reason, just be thankful that the outcome was him smiling about it on the sideline and not something much worse.
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Frank Clark seems worth the trade
It was fun to watch Clark go against Joe Staley, a great offensive tackle, and get his first sack in a Chiefs uniform. The Chiefs gave up a first-round and a second-round draft pick for Clark and gave him a large contract with over $62 million in guaranteed money.
The last few large contracts that the Chiefs have given out didn’t work in the long term. Clark could break that cycle. He looked extremely stout in the run game, taking away the edge multiple times against the 49ers in the first half. He also notched that first sack on a third-down play, capping off a solid night.
He’s a night-and-day difference from Dee Ford, who seemed to really only win using speed. Clark can win in a variety of different ways and gives the Chiefs a more imposing and physical presence on the defensive line. The Chiefs have to be feeling really good about their decision to trade for and sign Clark to a long-term deal.
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Carlos Hyde may not make the roster
Over the course of three preseason games, Hyde has gone from starting on offense to playing during the fourth quarter. It’s looking more and more likely that the Chiefs won’t bring four RBs into the regular season. They have the luxury of having multiple running backs on their roster that are capable to contribute to the offense.
Hyde did not see the field against the 49ers until midway into the third quarter. Running backs Damien Williams, Darrell Williams and Darwin Thompson all made appearances with the starting unit. All three players looked like they belonged as starters too.
Simply releasing Hyde might not be the ideal in Kansas City. The Chiefs may be looking for a trade partner to take on Hyde’s contract. They’ll owe Hyde $1.5 million if they release him outright.
One team to look at is the Houston Texans after running back Lamar Miller suffered what’s feared to be a torn ACL on Saturday. They could look the get a jump on free agency and send the Chiefs something in trade to ensure they get Hyde before another team has a chance to sign him.
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Juan Thornhill isn’t quite ready
It’s only the preseason, but Thornhill didn’t seem ready to be an NFL starter against the 49ers on Saturday. It’s the preseason and Tyrann Mathieu didn’t play, but Thornhill hasn’t looked like what he had been hyped up to be during the course of training camp.
I don’t think fans should be too concerned — Thornhill is still a rookie and learning, but it’s unfair to say that he is going to be the starter once the preseason ends. The Chiefs still have Daniel Sorenson, who the coaching staff likes at the position. Sorensen could be the starter Week 1 against the Jaguars.
I do believe that Thornhill will be a starter by the end of the season. He has all the ability to be the ballhawking safety that fans saw at training camp, he just needs more time. He needs more repetitions in games before he can become a difference-maker in this defense at free safety. Play recognition is a huge part of that position, and it’s hard to recognize plays when you aren’t playing or game-planning. Things will surely get better as he gets more reps.
Look for the Chiefs to perhaps get him some of those repetitions early in next week’s preseason finale against the Packers.
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