What I'm watching (and not watching) in the Chiefs first preseason game

What are some of the things to look for, and things to ignore, in our first real taste of football?

It’s about to happen. The 2023 Chiefs season is about to begin.

On Sunday, Patrick Mahomes and company will face off against the Saints in their first of three preseason games. Based on what we know about Andy Reid, the starters will likely play a series or two (with some guys sitting down sooner than others), perhaps a bit longer or shorter depending on how those series go.

You know what that means? FOOTBALL. IS. BACK. And with it will be new tape to review, new narratives to discuss, and so much fun to be had by Chiefs fans.

It all kicks off with Sunday’s preseason game. We’ve already talked about a lot of the storylines stemming from Chiefs camp, and this will be our first real “in game” action to see how those storylines hold up in the harsh glare of NFL competition. We’ll also get a chance to see how young players have developed, new players fit in, and older players have held up.

Of course, preseason games aren’t dispositive. I’ve written in the past what matters and what doesn’t during preseason games, and I stand by the idea that not every single snap or stat will provide us with good information. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t glean anything from these games, especially with young players who are seeing real(ish) action for the first time (or entering their 2nd/3rd year of development).

And so, let’s talk about some of the things I’ll be watching Sunday in terms of players/concepts I think will be important to the 2023 season, as well as a few of the things that may tempt your eye that I don’t think are worth watching. But first and foremost, remember to have some fun and enjoy the return of the best sport on earth.

Let’s talk some 2023 Chiefs football, shall we?