KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Big plays were the order of the day for the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener Thursday night. They scored twice on interception returns (36 yards bySean Smith and 51 yards by Malcolm Bronson), a punt return (80 yards by De'Anthony Thomas) and had a 69-yard touchdown pass (Chase Daniel to Travis Kelce).

Those plays covered for sloppiness from the starting offense and defense as the Chiefs beat the Cincinnati Bengals 41-39 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Here are some other thoughts on the Chiefs' first preseason game of the year:
  • The Chiefs need to get cornerback Smith back in their starting lineup. His demotion in favor of Ron Parker never made sense to begin with and it certainly doesn't now. Parker was burned on a 53-yard pass from Andy Dalton to A.J. Green and he picked up two illegal contact penalties, though one was declined. Smith came into the game replacing Parker late in the first quarter. On his first play Smith had his pick-6. If it wasn't clear before, it is now: The Chiefs are a better defense with Smith in their starting lineup. Full Story
And also ...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sean Smith couldn't wait to start his touchdown dance and, really, could you blame him? The Kansas City Chiefs' most accomplished cornerback, Smith had been demoted during spring practice to second team.


Smith
But here he was, on his first play of Thursday night's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals after replacing starter Ron Parker, making an interception. Smith then ran alone down the sideline and began the festivities well before he got to the end zone, which he eventually did to complete his 36-yard touchdown. Full Story