The turnover provided New Orleans with an opportunity to kick a game-winning, 31-yard field goal as time expired, and as Blake Grupe’s kick sailed through the uprights, the Saints re-claimed the lead with zeroes remaining on the clock.
It was an unfortunate conclusion to what had the makings of a valiant comeback by the Chiefs’ second and third-teamers, but as is the reality in the preseason, there was still plenty that Kansas City can learn from Sunday’s game.
“All in all, it was good to get a game in,” said Head Coach Andy Reid. “The [starters] need to pick up the tempo on both sides of the ball. It wasn’t good enough, so we have some things to work on, but it was good to get the young guys in. I thought they played [well]. There were some good things from all the different positions…You just can’t finish with a mistake.”
Despite the final score, a standout from Sunday’s game was rookie wide receiver Nikko Remigio, who caught four passes for 71 yards. The Chiefs also made some plays defensively between linebacker Drue Tranquill, safety Chamarri Conner and defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who each recorded a sack.
In terms of injuries, rookie cornerback Nic Jones (fractured fingers) and defensive back Anthony Witherstone (toe) left Sunday’s game early.
The Chiefs will now return to training camp for another open practice at Missouri Western State University on Tuesday before continuing the preseason with a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.