The Kansas City Chiefs showcased a sharp and efficient offense in their final tune-up of the 2025 preseason, taking a commanding 10-0 lead over the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Seeking a positive conclusion after two exhibition losses, the Chiefs gave their starters significant playing time as they make their final evaluations before trimming the roster to 53 players.
After the Bears won the coin toss and deferred, the Chiefs’ offense took the field and immediately set the tone. The opening drive was a methodical march, aided significantly by Chicago’s lack of discipline. A pass interference call followed by a facemask penalty on a Patrick Mahomes pass attempt to Rashee Rice gifted Kansas City over 30 yards. Key plays on the drive included a sliding catch by veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and a 12-yard reception by rookie running back Brashard Smith that set up a first-and-goal. Two plays later, running back Isiah Pacheco powered his way into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown. Harrison Butker converted the extra point, putting the Chiefs up 7-0.
The Chiefs’ defense was equally impressive on the Bears’ first possession. Chicago’s offense, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, went backward. A fumbled snap resulted in a four-yard sack, and a subsequent false start penalty pushed them further back. The drive ended with a three-and-out, forcing a punt.
Mahomes remained in the game for Kansas City’s second possession and quickly delivered on the offseason promises of a revitalized deep passing game. After a couple of short gains by Kareem Hunt and Rashee Rice, Mahomes launched a 58-yard bomb to speedy wideout Tyquan Thornton, electrifying the home crowd. The drive eventually stalled inside the red zone after a scrambling Mahomes narrowly missed connecting with Hunt for a spectacular touchdown. Butker was called upon again, and he confidently drilled a 32-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-0.
The game serves as a crucial final audition for many players hoping to secure a spot on the team. For receiver Rashee Rice, who was active on the opening drive, his performance comes with added scrutiny. Following a high-speed crash in March 2024, Rice was sentenced in July 2025 to jail time and probation, and a multi-game suspension from the NFL is widely anticipated.
While the on-field action captured the attention of coaches and fans, many were also watching the suites for a familiar face. Pop superstar Taylor Swift, a regular attendee at Chiefs games throughout her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce, has been absent during the preseason. Her non-appearance has been a topic of discussion among fans, especially with the team playing its final exhibition game at home. Swift recently announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” which is slated for release in October.
With the starters likely done for the night, the remainder of the game will focus on depth players and those on the roster bubble. The Chiefs will now turn their attention to the final roster cutdowns before kicking off the regular season on September 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers in a unique international matchup in São Paulo, Brazil.
