On Saturday night, the Kansas City Chiefs battled with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the end of a NFL Preseason Week 2 matchup, with Tampa Bay coming out on top by a score of 16-15.
Here are five rapidly instant takeaways from the game:
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The story of the preseason is kicker Harrison Butker’s resurgence. After making all four of his field goal attempts in the first exhibition — one being a 59-yard kick — Butker carried the scoring once again in Tampa with three field goals.
One field goal was from 58 yards out, then the next was good from 69 yards. The regular-season NFL record is 68 yards.
After a lackluster 2025 season, Butker started off on the right foot towards a bounceback season. He made his first seven field-goal attempts of this preseason.
Unfortuantely, he missed a point-after attempt in the second half of this game, the only time he has kicked one this preseason. Last year, he missed four extra points.
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Then, he missed a 43-yard field goal that would’ve put the Chiefs in the lead with over three minutes remaining. The celebration of Butker’s night turned before the game’s end.
Is this an encouraging or discouraging performance?
On a second down in the first quarter, fourth-year defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah made a play that likely got some Chiefs fans — especially Kansas State alums — jumping out of their seats.
It was a much-needed highlight play for Anudike-Uzomah, who has yet to carve out a significant role in the starting defense despite ample opportuity in training camp and the preseason.
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He finished this contest with another quarterback hit; it seems like the Lee’s Summit native’s strengths as a player are best utilized on pass downs.
One reason Anudike-Uzomah’s spot in the rotation is up in the air is how strong the ascension of rookie edge rusher R Mason Thomas has been this preseason.
On a third and long, Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted a quick screen to the right side — but Thomas flew off the ball with his head up, leading to a near interception 20 yards away from a score. The pass was nearly lateral, and it was good to see the rookie finish the negated scoop and score.
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Thomas also had a quarterback hit in this game; he continues to show a rare speed and fluidity around the arc that Kansas City hasn’t seen in years.
3. Kahlil Benson doesn’t look ready for right tackle
The Chiefs’ starting offensive line dealt with injury absences from left tackle Josh Simmons (Back) and right guard Trey Smith (Hip). The first-team line featured veteran Jaylon Moore at left tackle, Mike Caliendo at right guard and rookie Kahlil Benson at right tackle.
On one run play, Benson showed off the “dominant” traits the Chiefs coaching staff has talked about being enamored with this offseason.
On two other plays, Benson poorly held up in pass protection; the second play led to a strip sack of quarterback Justin Fields, although Benson was aware enough to try and advance the fumble himself.
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The Chiefs needed to see Benson in live action on the right edge; Saturday was a great challenge, with Tampa Bay’s starting defense seeing extended playing time.
It seemingly gave the answer Kansas City needed; Benson doesn’t look ready for the likes of Denver Broncos’ edge rusher Nik Bonitto in Week 1.
4. Who should be the backup quarterback?
There were rough stretches for backup quarterback Justin Fields against the starting defense of the Buccaneers. Of course, pass-protection whiffs don’t help, but neither does holding onto the ball as long as Fields does on some snaps.
These kinds of plays can’t happen if Fields is asked to step in for starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the regular (or post) season. On third down in the red zone, the backup quarterback needs to find a way to avoid making a field goal opportunity so much more difficult.
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Rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier did not have to face as many of Tampa’s starting players, but seems to play within the rhythm of the offense better than Fields does; that was apparent in camp.
However, Nussmeier nearly threw an interception by forcing a throw over the middle at one point. Neither player can be expected to be perfect in a one-off start, but there is certainly a debate about who would handle that situation better.
5. Jalen Royals finally shows off his skill set
Chiefs Kingdom hasn’t been able to see much of second-year wideout Jalen Royals through the first year and change of his career. On Saturday night, Royals finally got the opportunities to show spectators and the coaching staff what he can do.
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Royals led all Chiefs players with six catches, 51 yards and 12 yards after catch. He caught all six passes thrown his way, the longest being a 17-yard pass downfield in the third quarter; it led to rookie running back Emmett Johnson’s touchdown, the only one of Kansas City’s preseason.
On two of his earliest catches, Royals flashed an ability to gain yards after catch that made him a sought-after prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft from Utah State. He was tough to tackle, but also moved well in space with the ball in his hands.
After being outshinied by rookie wideout Cyrus Allen — who had just seven yards over three catches in Tampa — all of camp, Royals made his strongest statement towards earning the No. 4 receiver role yet.
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