The final game of the preseason is a wrap, and real football is just around the corner. Below you’ll find five takeaways from the Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Packers:
Carlos Hyde’s future with the Chiefs looks bleak
When Kansas City began their offseason program, it seemed pretty clear that the running back depth chart was Damien Williams, Hyde and then everyone else. Fast forward to the fourth preseason game, in which the majority of the starters didn’t see the field, and Hyde was the starter.
It doesn’t bode well for Hyde when Williams, Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams all got the night off, while Hyde had to play. He managed just 29 yards on eight carries. Hyde even took a back seat to Marcus Marshall after he was targeted and it led to an interception returned for a touchdown against Kansas City.
Andy Reid put his cards on the table and made it clear the three that didn’t play tonight are his guys, and unless the Chiefs decide to keep four RBs it looks like this is the end of Hyde’s stint in Kansas City.
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Mark Fields squandered his chance at making the roster
Going into this game, Fields was on the roster bubble along with a handful of other cornerbacks trying to make the team. Fields’ name came up a lot during the broadcast, but rarely on a positive note. He popped up early with a pass interference penalty that gave the Packers the ball in excellent field position. He then followed that up on the same drive with an obvious face mask penalty in the end zone.
If the early penalties in coverage were not bad enough, the local broadcast made a mistake in which sideline reporter Todd McShay’s mic was on during a commercial break. McShay was heard discussing Reid’s demeanor on the sideline, and he described Reid’s frustrations with Fields by saying, “Let’s just say I don’t think No. 26 (Fields) has a spot on this roster.”
Tying a bow on his night, Fields attempted to tackle Green Bay QB Manny Wilkins, who was scrambling upfield. Wilkins hurdled Fields on the tackle attempt. Add in his offside penalty on the game-winning TD by the Packers and it is safe to assume Fields will not be on the team this season in any capacity.
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Rashard Davis made a case for a roster spot
There were a lot of WRs that saw some action Thursday night, but Davis was the one who clearly made the most out of his opportunities. Hauling in seven catches on nine targets for 47 yards, Davis made a statement in this game that he should be considered for that final WR spot on the depth chart.
Currently, the locks for the 53-man roster at the WR position would be Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman and likely Thomas. Assuming Reid and Brett Veach stick with six WRs, that leaves one roster spot. The assumption going into this game was that it was down to Byron Pringle and Cody Thompson. Davis made sure it was known that he should have some strong consideration as well.
Davis didn’t just put up stats but impressed with his abilities after the catch. He has some quickness to his game that allows him to make some plays after the catch to tack on some extra yards and at times looked difficult to bring down. Looking at the current WR depth chart, Davis seems like he fits well with the playing style of the others at his position.
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Jeremiah Attaochu was everywhere
Attaochu went from being on the roster bubble in some people’s eyes to a player that would be a surprise cut. He played multiple positions on the night, both linebacker and defensive end, and made plays from both.
Stat lines don’t always show a defensive player’s impact on a game, but the one that Attaochu put together in this game was impressive: eight combined tackles, two sacks, three QB hits and two tackles for loss.
Attaochu made the offensive line look extremely outmatched as he consistently beat blocks and looked quick getting to the QB. He made effort plays in pursuit and looked like the best version of himself. It was difficult not to notice him the entire night, and he likely put together some film that will make a very compelling argument for a spot on the 53-man roster.
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Jody Fortson no longer a hidden gem
Going into this game you would be hard-pressed to find a Chiefs fan who knew who Fortson was. That has changed after the final preseason game. Fortson is an undrafted rookie free agent Valdosta State who converted from wide receiver to tight end. At 6 feet 6 and 230 pounds, Fortson is a big body with some strong hands.
While he only made two catches on the night, both of them were memorable. Fortson caught the first touchdown pass of the night. Kyle Shurmur saw the defensive back get behind Fortson and knew that Fortson had the size to block out the defensive back from making a play on the ball.
The touchdown pass was not the main highlight, however. Earlier in the drive, Shurmur put up a pass that at first glance appeared to be overthrown and potentially landing in the outstretched arms of the defender covering Fortson, but with his massive frame Fortson was able to not only reach up and snag the ball in the air, but he managed to hold the ball up above the defensive back, preventing him from being able to reach the ball and bat it out of Fortson’s hands.
Fortson may have earned a spot on the practice squad to be developed as a move tight end or even as a receiver.
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