Same Old Kansas City Chiefs After First Preseason Game

This was not the opening game Kansas City Chiefs fans were hoping to see from their 2010 Chiefs team. Sure its the preseason, and sure its only one game, but Chiefs fans are tired of seeing their team lose.

This was supposed to be a different team, an improved team. Instead fans saw the same Kansas City Chiefs team they have grown accustomed to over the past three seasons, the team that has won only ten games total.

Chiefs fans can take a few encouraging things from this game, most notably the play of Tamba Hali and rookie Dexter McCluster. Hali looked like the pass rushing terror that he was for most of last season, while McCluster was the speedster that everyone knew he would be.

McCluster showed his versatility by lining up as the slot receiver and catching three passes for 23 yards, then when Thomas Jones went out in the first quarter with a stinger, McCluster moved to running back where he got five carries for 25 yards.

McCluster showed the ability to get open as he led all Chiefs receivers by being targeted five times, McCluster probably should have caught the other two passes thrown in his way as well.

Jamaal Charles showed no signs of rust on his four carries, rushing for 37 yards and continuing to show that he is the real deal.

Matt Cassel was six for eight passing for only 25 yards and he missed an open Leonard Pope on one pass while being rushed from the pocket. Cassel looked uncomfortable in the pocket, much like he did last year for the Chiefs. Cassel needs to continue improving for the Chiefs offense to make strides this season.

Dwayne Bowe was not a factor as he didn't catch a single pass or even have a ball thrown his way.

The offensive line did not get a very good push for much of the night and will hope to improve over the next three preseason games.

On defense Hali looked good once again and Mike Vrabel had his moments which was good to see. Eric Berry came up to make a nice tackle on Falcons running back Jason Snelling after the Chiefs defensive line parted like the Red Sea, the play was the only one of any consequence for Berry on the night.

The Chiefs other rookie safety Kendrick Lewis did a nice job in coverage and looks like a player that can definitely contribute to the defense this season. The Chiefs secondary seemed to be in bend but don't break mode and were helped by multiple penalties by the Falcons offensive line.

Chiefs fans were hoping to see improvement from players such as Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson, but it wasn't there yet. Also not there yet is Branden Albert who struggled at times in pass blocking.

Matt Cassel needs to get more comfortable in the pocket and look to connect with Bowe and Chris Chambers more often. The Chiefs didn't have rookie tight end Tony Moaeki because of injury, but he has looked great in camp and should help the team's passing attack when he returns.

Like most teams during the preseason the Chiefs were very vanilla with their schemes on both sides of the ball. Conservative plays were called on offense and defense, allowing Chiefs players to just make plays.

The problem Friday night for the Chiefs was that they didn't make nearly enough of them, and they will need to greatly improve their play if they don't want to lose in front of a national audience come week one.