In a thrilling preseason opener on Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona, the Arizona Cardinals edged out the Kansas City Chiefs 20-17. While the Cardinals secured the victory, it was Patrick Mahomes’ electrifying 48-second appearance that dominated the headlines. The three-time Super Bowl champion, in his ninth season with the Chiefs, made his brief time on the field count, delivering a one-play, 1-yard touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee after a Cardinals’ fumble on the opening kickoff, giving Kansas City an early 7-0 lead.
Mahomes’ Flash of Brilliance
Mahomes, the face of the Chiefs’ dynasty, showcased his trademark efficiency. Starting with a short field, he needed just one play to find Brownlee for the score, finishing his night 1-for-1 with 1 yard and a touchdown. It was a classic Mahomes moment—quick, precise, and impactful—reminding everyone why the Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (40-22), remain a force in the AFC. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew kept the momentum going, adding a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, while kicker Harrison Butker chipped in a 58-yard field goal to round out Kansas City’s scoring.
Cardinals’ Rocky Start, Strong Finish
Arizona’s starters, by contrast, had a shaky beginning. The Cardinals fumbled their first two kickoff returns, though they recovered the second. Quarterback Kyler Murray, playing his first preseason game since 2021, struggled early, throwing an interception on his opening drive targeting second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. A 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on tight end Tip Reiman further stalled Arizona’s second drive, leading to a 33-yard field goal by Chad Ryland.
Despite the early miscues, Murray settled in, completing 7 of 8 passes for 96 yards. Tight end Trey McBride (21 yards) and Harrison (15 yards) contributed to a Cardinals offense that showed flashes of potential. Arizona’s new backup quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, proved his worth, throwing for 81 yards on 5-of-8 passing, including a 43-yard touchdown to Emari Demercado and a 1-yard touchdown to Xavier Weaver, giving the Cardinals a 17-14 lead at halftime.
Arizona’s Defensive Revamp and Resilience
The Cardinals, who finished last season 8-9 and are aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2021, outgained the Chiefs 355 yards to 249. Their revamped defensive front, bolstered by offseason additions Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Calais Campbell, showed promise in containing Kansas City’s offense after the early touchdown. Arizona’s ability to rally from a 14-3 deficit highlighted their growth under head coach Jonathan Gannon, who led the team to a four-win improvement last season.
Injuries Cloud Chiefs’ Night
The Chiefs’ performance was marred by injuries. Cornerback Jaylen Watson left the game in the first half for concussion protocol, while safety Deon Bush was carted off in the second quarter with an Achilles tendon injury, raising concerns for Kansas City’s secondary as the regular season approaches.
Why Mahomes Still Dominates the Narrative
Despite Arizona’s victory, Mahomes’ one-play masterpiece stole the spotlight. His ability to turn a fumble recovery into an instant score underscored why he remains the NFL’s biggest star. For the Cardinals, the win was a step forward, but their early sloppiness highlighted areas for improvement as they chase a postseason berth. As the preseason rolls on, all eyes will remain on Mahomes and the Chiefs, who are determined to reclaim their Super Bowl throne.