Five things we learned about the Chiefs this preseason
Consider it a good preseason if your team stays healthy through four preseason games.
Consider it a great offseason if one of your team's stars comes back healthy after an eight-month bout with cancer.
Eric Berry is back to his hard-tackling self after a season away from the game.
With the regular season set to kick off on Thursday, here are the five most important things we learned from the Chiefs' preseason.
1. Alex Smith wants to throw deep -- and throw deep early
Alex Smith was a big fan of the Chiefs' first play call of the 2015 preseason. He misfired on a deep pass meant for Jeremy Maclin, but the intent was clearer than ever. Smith will huck the pigskin deeper this year than in year's past, and through four exhibition weeks, it's clear he finally has the weapons to do so. His supposed improved footwork was a little less apparent in game action, but take Smith's word for it.
2. Andy Reid will use Jeremy Maclin anywhere, anytime
Speaking of Maclin, Kansas City's new top target is just the man to snap an ignominious receiving drought. He's already found the end zone an handful of times this preseason, which is a handful more than the team's corps did in all of 2014. Interestingly enough, Maclin nabbed his first score in red and gold as a running back. Andy Reid might have to get even more creative with Maclin this fall.
3. Sean Smith is expendable at cornerback
When is losing your big-money, first-string cornerback palatable? When you have a defensive backfield as deep as the Chiefs. Sean Smith will miss the first three regular season contests and K.C.'s defense won't miss a beat. First-round pick Marcus Peters can step right in; he's done nothing but impress coaches and teammates through training camp.
4. The offensive line still needs tweaking
Jamaal Charles blamed a patchwork offensive line for K.C.'s offensive struggles last year. He might not like the product in front of him this season any better. Their two tackles, Eric Fisher and Jeff Allen, are both banged up already. They've swapped centers once this preseason in an attempt to find the perfect starting five, but maybe that lineup doesn't exist.
5. Eric Berry is an absolute animal and should be treated as such
The man defeated Hodgkin's lymphoma in eight months. He actually gained weight while undergoing chemotherapy because he worked out so much. Don't put it past No. 29 to resume his All Star play in Kansas City's defensive backfield. He's been known to beat the odds.
