Chiefs Lead 14-10 Over Cardinals in 2nd Quarter Live Updates

Kansas City Chiefs Begin 2025 Preseason with Strong Opening Against Arizona Cardinals

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2025 preseason schedule with a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This match provided fans with an early look at several newly drafted players, including left tackle Josh Simmons, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, defensive end Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams, wide receiver Jalen Royals, linebacker Jeff Bassa, and running back Brashard Smith. Meanwhile, injured cornerback Kristian Fulton was absent from the game as he continues his recovery from surgery. Veterans such as running back Elijah Mitchell, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and tight end Robert Tonyan also saw their first action of the season.

First Quarter Highlights

The game started with a dramatic play as an Arizona wide receiver fumbled the opening kickoff at the 23-yard line. Linebacker Jack Cochrane forced the fumble, and rookie running back Brashard Smith recovered the ball. A blocking penalty by Arizona set up the Chiefs at the 13-yard line. Running back Isiah Pacheco began the drive with an eight-yard carry to the 5-yard line. Patrick Mahomes’ first pass of the night went to training camp standout Tyquan Thornton, though it was incomplete. However, Arizona was called for pass interference in the end zone, giving the Chiefs a chance to score.

Mahomes then found wideout Jason Brownlee for a one-yard touchdown pass. Harrison Butker converted the extra point, putting the Chiefs ahead 7-0. Arizona managed to avoid further trouble after another fumble on the kickoff, but they struggled to maintain possession. Quarterback Kyler Murray led the offense with a 12-yard throw to Michael Wilson and a 15-yard pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., setting up a first down at the Kansas City 30-yard line. Murray and running back James Conner moved the ball 13 yards before an interception by second-year safety Jaden Hicks ended the drive.

Despite Andy Reid’s plan to rotate quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew entered the game for Mahomes in the second possession. The drive started well as Minshew connected with Thornton for a 15-yard gain and Kareem Hunt added a 10-yard run to the Arizona 47-yard line. However, the drive stalled when Minshew fumbled a snap, and rookie Jalen Royals’ first catch resulted in a one-yard loss. Punter Matt Araiza took over, placing the ball inside the 10-yard line. A short return set the Cardinals up at their own 18-yard line.

With many of the Chiefs’ defensive starters resting, the Cardinals' starting offense moved the ball easily. Murray completed a 21-yard pass to tight end Trey McBride, and a personal foul forced the Cardinals into a third-and-21 situation. Murray found Trey Benson on a screen to gain 20 yards, ending the first quarter with the Chiefs holding a 7-0 lead.

Second Quarter Developments

In the second quarter, Benson failed to convert the third down, allowing kicker Chad Ryland to kick a 33-yard field goal, bringing the score to 7-3. A 48-yard return by wideout Nikko Remigio gave Minshew a chance to move the ball. Two plays later, Minshew found Royals for nine yards, followed by a six-yard gain. A 20-yard throw to tight end Robert Tonyan brought the drive to the Arizona 20-yard line, and two runs by Carson Steele set up first-and-goal at the 2-yard line. Minshew ran in the two-yard score, and Butker added the extra point to extend the lead to 14-3.

Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett replaced Murray and was immediately hit by defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Two plays later, Brissett was tackled by rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, forcing a three-and-out. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton returned a punt to the Chiefs’ 17-yard line, starting the next drive. Bailey Zappe entered the game and struggled early, overthrowing Thornton deep. Elijah Mitchell made his first touch a 13-yard carry. Zappe nearly threw another interception to Cardinals safety Darren Hall, but a penalty negated a potential gain. The drive ended with Zappe throwing an interception to Hall, giving Arizona the ball at their own 43-yard line.

Arizona capitalized on the turnover, with Brissett finding Emari Demarcado on a screen that he took to the end zone for a touchdown. Ryland’s extra point cut the lead to 14-10. The Chiefs struggled with miscues on their next drive, starting at the 13-yard line due to a penalty and then moving back five yards on a false start. Zappe nearly threw another interception, and a questionable completion to Brownlee was ruled incomplete. Araiza booted a 67-yard punt to start the Cardinals’ next drive at their own 20-yard line with 2:15 remaining in the half.

Injuries and Special Teams

Linebacker Cam Jones left the game in the first quarter. In the second quarter, rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa appeared shaken after delivering a hit on the quarterback. He left the field under his own power but returned on the next drive. Special teams played a key role in the game, with Chiefs linebacker Jack Cochrane forcing a fumble on Arizona’s opening kickoff. Running back Brashard Smith recovered the ball, giving the Chiefs a strong start in Arizona territory.