The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2025 preseason with a fiery clash against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, but what started as a promising display of dominance unraveled into a frustrating 20-17 loss. The reigning AFC champions, still stinging from their Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, aimed to shake off the rust and showcase their depth. However, penalties, turnovers, and missed opportunities painted a troubling picture for Andy Reid’s squad. Here’s how the game unfolded, quarter by quarter, in a rollercoaster of momentum swings.
First Quarter: Chiefs Strike Fast, Cardinals Stumble
The Chiefs came out swinging, capitalizing on a Cardinals’ fumble during the opening kickoff. Rookie sensation Brashard Smith pounced on the loose ball, handing Patrick Mahomes a golden opportunity at Arizona’s 13-yard line. The two-time MVP wasted no time, orchestrating a lightning-fast two-play drive capped by a touchdown to put Kansas City up 6-0. Harrison Butker’s extra point sailed through, making it 7-0.
Arizona’s response was shaky. Kyler Murray, under pressure, led an eight-play, 47-yard drive that ended in disaster when second-year safety Jaden Hicks intercepted a poorly thrown pass, giving the Chiefs another chance to dominate. Kansas City’s defense was relentless, and the Cardinals couldn’t find their footing.
As the quarter wound down, free agent acquisition Gardner Minshew took the reins for the Chiefs’ second drive. Despite moving the chains for 19 yards, a costly penalty on guard Trey Smith stalled the drive, forcing a punt. Meanwhile, Arizona found a spark, pushing deep into Chiefs’ territory and sitting at the 15-yard line as the quarter ended.
Second Quarter: Momentum Shifts and Chiefs’ Lead Slips
The Cardinals clawed back to start the second quarter, converting their red-zone position into a field goal to trim the Chiefs’ lead to 7-3. Kansas City responded with fire, as Minshew connected with tight end Robert Tonyan and rookie wideout Jalen Royals on a nine-play drive. Minshew capped it himself, scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown. Butker’s extra point was true, pushing the score to 14-3.
But the Chiefs’ momentum hit a wall when backup quarterback Bailey Zappe, making his preseason debut, took the field. While Zappe showed poise with short passes, his deep ball to Royals was picked off by Cardinals’ corner Darren Hall, swinging the pendulum back to Arizona.
In the final five minutes, the Chiefs’ defense faltered, allowing running back Emari Demercado to punch in Arizona’s first touchdown. With the extra point, the score tightened to 14-10. Shockingly, the Cardinals surged ahead before halftime, capitalizing on Kansas City’s miscues to take a 17-14 lead into the locker room.
Third Quarter: A Stalemate and a Clutch Kick
Determined to rebound, the Chiefs opened the third quarter with a statement. Harrison Butker, proving his All-Pro pedigree, drilled a 58-yard field goal to knot the score at 17-17. Both teams traded blows in a gritty defensive battle, with neither offense finding a rhythm. The Chiefs’ defense tightened, but their offense struggled to sustain drives.
In the final five minutes, Zappe took a gamble on fourth down, targeting undrafted rookie Mac Dalena in the end zone. The Cardinals’ secondary, however, had other plans, intercepting the pass and preserving the tie. As the third quarter closed, Arizona held possession, setting the stage for a tense final frame.
Fourth Quarter: Penalties and Punts Doom Chiefs
The Cardinals seized control early in the fourth, slotting a field goal to take a 20-17 lead. Kansas City turned to third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, who leaned on undrafted free agent Elijhah Badger for a spark. Despite flashes of promise, the Chiefs’ drive fizzled, and they punted the ball back to Arizona.
The Cardinals, unable to extend their lead, also punted, giving Kansas City one last chance with 6:33 remaining. But penalties and sloppy execution plagued the Chiefs, stifling any hope of a comeback. Arizona sealed the game by kneeling out the clock, walking away with a 20-17 victory.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Kansas City
The Chiefs’ preseason opener exposed glaring weaknesses that Andy Reid must address before the regular season. Penalties, particularly on the offensive line, derailed promising drives, while turnovers from Zappe and a shaky defensive finish allowed Arizona to steal the game. Bright spots like Brashard Smith’s recovery, Minshew’s grit, and Butker’s long-range accuracy offer hope, but Kansas City’s depth players need to clean up their mistakes.
As the Chiefs regroup, this loss serves as a stark reminder: even champions can’t afford to play sloppy. With their next preseason test looming, Reid and his squad will look to sharpen their execution and reclaim their swagger.
Final Score: Chiefs 17, Cardinals 20