The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Los Angeles Rams in their 2026 preseason opener, suffering a 20-12 defeat. Following the game, head coach Andy Reid emphasized a critical area for improvement before the regular season: penalties.
Reid’s focus on reducing penalties is particularly relevant for Chiefs fans, as it has been a recurring theme throughout his tenure. The team was flagged 12 times during the game, resulting in a loss of 83 yards—an issue that could significantly impact their performance when the stakes are higher. As Reid stated, “Penalties…that would be the No. 1 thing to be cleaned up.”
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for Kansas City. Quarterback Justin Fields completed all four of his passes for 41 yards, while Garrett Nussmeier made an impressive NFL preseason debut with 98 yards on 13 completions out of 19 attempts. Running back Emmett Johnson showcased his skills with 12 carries for 59 yards. With roster changes and potential retirements looming—most notably Travis Kelce—this preseason is crucial for determining which players will make the final cut and how well they can adapt to Reid’s expectations.
The Bigger Question
Will we see more from the first string in the game against Tampa Bay this weekend and will the starters avoid the penalties that plagued the backups against the Rams last week?