Chiefs vs Packers: 10 Things We Learned from Kansas City's 24-3 Loss

The Kansas City Chiefs opened the preseason on a hot note, but things went downhill since that win in Week 1. The Chiefs finished the preseason 1-3 after losing the preseason finale to the Green Bay Packers, 24-3.

The Chiefs preseason has not given fans any encouraging sign for the upcoming season. What did we learn from the Chiefs following this loss to the Packers Thursday night?

Matt Cassel Must Stay Healthy

Matt Cassel did not play much in Thursday night's match against the Packers. The Chiefs let him complete one pass to Dwayne Bowe before Brady Quinn take over.

Cassel showed some flashes in the preseason but the Chiefs limited him tonight because they don't want to risk him getting hurt. Last year, Tony Moeaki was hurt when the starters stayed on the field longer than they should have.

The Chiefs Need a New Backup Quarterback

It was another tough outing for the Chiefs backup quarterbacks.

Brady Quinn threw an interception while the team had the ball in the red zone. Quinn and Stanzi combined for three sacks as the Packers defense shut them down.

The Chiefs got little positive signs from Quinn and Stanzi and should consider a veteran quarterback to come in if the team deals with injuries at the quarterback position.

Alex Tanney May Be Headed for the Practice Squad

Alex Tanney's popularity was unlike any other for a backup quarterback. Tanney is famous for his video on YouTube where he showed off surreal, circus-like football passes.

But those trick shot passes were not enough to make Chiefs fans believe he should be part of the roster. In fact, most of his activity consisted of him handing off the football. As an undrafted free agent with potential, his best bet would be to stay with the Chiefs as a practice squad player.

For now, the Chiefs may not have room for Tanney.

Peyton Hillis Will Rebound This Season

Peyton Hillis showed some encouraging signs this preseason that he will bounce back. He capped off his preseason six carries for 46 yards against the Packers defense.

Hillis showed his ability to push his way forward as a power back, as the defense needed several players to take him down, especially when running full speed.

Working with Jamaal Charles is exactly what the Chiefs need to move forward in 2012 with the rushing game.

The Chiefs Have the Running Backs They Need to Finish First in Rushing

Everyone knows about Charles and Hillis, but let's shift our attention to rookie running back Nate Eachus for a moment.

Eachus has been the bright spot for the Chiefs in the second half of the preseason. He ran the ball 31 times for 197 yards in the final two preseason games.

With Charles and Hillis as the primary running backs, the Chiefs also have some good depth. Expect Eachus to stay with the team and earn a few carries this season to help the team finish first in rushing. The Chiefs have a strong chance at winning the rushing title for the second time in three years.

Derrick Johnson Could Miss Season Opener

According to Randy Covitz of The Kansas City Star, Derrick Johnson could be doubtful for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 9.

Johnson was a big part of a Chiefs defense last year that put the team in some low-scoring battles. As a key run stopper for the Chiefs, Johnson's presence is vital and his absence could hurt the Chiefs defense.

We saw what happened last year when the Chiefs lost some of their key players to injury. The Chiefs want to dodge that bullet, live up to their potential and compete with the Denver Broncos for the AFC West.

Chiefs Will Have a Thin and Banged-Up Defense Going into Week 1

The Chiefs defense may not live up to its potential due to injuries and a suspension.

Brandon Flowers missed all of the preseason while Kendrick Lewis missed the last two games. There is no official word on their statuses for Week 1. Tamba Hali, who has led the team in sacks since 2008, is serving his one-game suspension to start off the season and Johnson is rumored to be doubtful.

The Chiefs gave up 29 points per game in the preseason. The Atlanta Falcons have a high-powered offense that can score a lot of points, especially if the Chiefs are thin and have players who are not in shape for the season opener.

Return Game Still Has Question Marks

Javier Arenas, Devon Wylie, Mikail Baker and Zeke Markshausen all played a part in the special teams return game this preseason. However, the Chiefs did not come up with any flashes nor provide any sparks.

Surprisingly, Dexter McCluster did not take part in any special teams activity and is focusing on a different role, it seems. The Chiefs seem to be most comfortable with Arenas, but even then, he still has a lot of work to do.

A nice return, similar to what Dante Hall brought, would help out Cassel before he and the offense take the field.

Romeo Crennel Needs to Promote an Assistant to Defensive Coordinator

Remember when Todd Haley promoted himself to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in his first year as the team's head coach in 2009? That did not go so well for him.

Romeo Crennel is following a similar path as defensive coordinator and head coach. Crennel's responsibilities as head coach and defensive coordinator are not ideal, especially since he is trying make the most out of his second chance as a head coach in the league.

A defensive coordinator would help him out immensely and take some of the load off his back.

Chiefs Coaching Staff Has a Lot of Work to Do

The Chiefs preseason did not go well. They were outscored 61-116.

The coaching staff must get their offense, defense and special teams together. Going into Week 1, Crennel knows this is not the team he wants in nine days when they face the Falcons.

With some potential surprise cuts coming from other teams, the Chiefs need to take advantage and jump on some free agents or make a trade. As of now, Crennel wants the team and their mindset to change quickly as they prepare for the Falcons.