Kansas City's 1st-Team Offense and Defense Make Impressions in Preseason Opener

The excitement from Kansas City Chiefs fans over the first preseason game is natural. After Kansas City landed a big-name coach in Andy Reid and traded for Alex Smith to be the new quarterback, fans looked forward to the first preseason contest, regardless of the match being an exhibition game.

Chiefs fans wanted to see Smith and the starters. If fans want to talk about just the starters from Friday's loss to New Orleans, then they're very satisfied with the product on the field against the Saints.

During Kansas City's opening drive, Smith completed seven passes. Although he threw an incomplete pass, it was to avoid getting sacked. Smith was successful on all seven attempts when he threw the ball to his intended target.

Smith's performance on that opening drive was more watchable than Kansas City's offense last year with Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn. With Smith taking snaps, the offense was sound and in uniform.

The drive concluded with a short touchdown run from Jamaal Charles, who caught three passes on the first drive.

Smith connected with tight end Anthony Fasano twice, both plays resulting in a first down for the Chiefs. Smith had a good rapport with Vernon Davis in San Francisco and hopes Fasano can be a similar tight end and provide that same relationship on the field.

Reid was pleased with the players on the first-team offense. He decided he saw enough and allowed the second unit to take over.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs defense took the field and responded well with a 7-0 lead. After Drew Brees converted on his first third-down attempt, Tamba Hali invaded the pocket and forced Brees to throw an incomplete pass on his second third-down attempt.

The Saints had a short-lived first drive and kept Brees in the game for another drive, yet he had some issues against Kansas City's backups on defense and couldn't take his offense to the end zone.

It may be one offensive and defensive showing from one preseason game, but after last year's 2-14 record, Chiefs fans needed to see the first-team offense and defense show up and make some noise.

That is exactly what happened Friday night.

So far, fans have to be pleased with the promise the starters showed. Reid is off to a good start and will be tested again next week against the San Francisco 49ers, whose defense is one of the best in the league and played a big part in leading the team to the NFC Championship Game two years ago and to the Super Bowl last year.

If Reid's starters come through again, this time at Arrowhead Stadium in front of Chiefs fans, there will be a lot of optimism surrounding the Chiefs.