Kansas City Chiefs Preseason: Five Reasons They Lost To Atlanta Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2010 preseason schedule with a game against the Atlanta Falcons in prime-time on Friday night.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs were overwhelmed by the Falcons, and ended up losing the game 20-10.

Atlanta had KC playing off-balance for much of the game, and for many Chiefs fans it was uncomfortable to watch. For this post-game report, I took a look at five reasons that the Chiefs were defeated in Hotlanta last night.

5. Too many turnovers

One of the things that plagued the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009 was their inability to hold on to the football, resulting in many takeaways for opponents throughout the season.

After one game in 2010, things don't look much different for Kansas City, as the Chiefs turned the ball over three more times last night. Second year Head Coach Todd Haley has repeatedly stated how he hates to turnover the ball, and who can blame him.

Even though many of last night's turnovers fell more on the shoulder of the KC quarterbacks, the team as a whole definitely needs to improve in this category, and they need to do it quickly.

4. Not enough production from star wide receivers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Coming into the 2010 season, the Chiefs were counting on the past efforts of receivers Chris Chambers and Dwayne Bowe to help accommodate for the newly drafted slot receiver Dexter McCluster.

In KC's first preseason game on Friday night, it was all McCluster as Bowe and Chambers were nowhere to be found on the stat-sheet. In fact, Bowe was not even thrown at all night and Chambers caught just one pass for six yards. Granted, they didn't play very long and the Chiefs kept McCluster in to help him get some actual game experience.

Regardless of the excuse, these two veteran receivers will need to step it up in the next game and in the future because otherwise Kansas City will end up having the inefficient offense that they had for much of the game last night.

3. Inconsistency of QBs

It didn't matter which quarterback the Chiefs played in Friday night's game in the Georgia dome, each one had the same results, and that was committing a turnover.

Starter Matt Cassel fumbled a ball after Koy Biermann hit his arm during his follow through. Later, backup Brodie Croyle was playing well until he threw an ill-advised pass over the middle that was intercepted . Finally, third-string QB Tyler Palko also joined in on the turnover party as he threw an interception of his own in the fourth quarter.

The lone bright spot for the Chiefs QBs came when Palko ran in a touchdown from one yard out with 18 seconds left in the game. The Chiefs will need to have more consistency with their QBs, especially Cassel, for them to run a successful offense under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

2. Lack of protection from Offensive Line

It is no secret that the offensive line has consistently been one of the weakest links on the Kansas City Chiefs for quite some time now.

After watching last night's game against the Falcons, it remains as one of the weak links on the team. Left tackle Branden Albert (pictured above) was very disappointing as he struggled to hold his blocks on multiple occasions against Falcon defenders, often times leading to the pocket's quick collapse and heavy pressure on Chiefs QB Matt Cassel.

Center Rudy Niswanger was also getting blown off the ball, much like he did last season.

The Chiefs will need to improve the O-line in order for Cassel to have a chance as QB on this franchise.

1. The Defensive Line getting manhandled

The Chiefs defensive front did have some moments where they made some stops against the Falcon running backs, however, they struggled for the most part against the Falcon's solid offensive line.

It was clear from the first drive that the KC D-line was getting pushed off the ball by a few yards on almost every rushing attempt from their opponents. This was somewhat expected as Kansas City still has a young, talented group of defensive lineman, who are still adjusting to the overall speed and strength of players in the NFL.

However, it was obvious that this is the team's weakest link at this point, and will have to improve soon, or the Chiefs could be headed to another losing season.