For a team carrying the weight of history on its shoulders, a third consecutive exhibition defeat—this time a 27–29 last-minute heartbreaker to the Chicago Bears—could easily be a cause for alarm. But in Kansas City, the air isn’t filled with panic; it’s charged with a quiet, steady confidence. And it all filters down from the man in the headset: Andy Reid.

As Brad Hanson Productions perfectly captured, coach Andy Reid’s update was a masterpiece of brevity and bliss: “Andy Reid just said there was no injuries.” The accompanying Will Ferrell ‘Yay!’ gif wasn’t just a joke; it was a universal sigh of relief from a fanbase that knows health is the only currency that truly matters in August.

In that one simple statement, Reid didn’t just report news; he handed his team and its faithful a reason to exhale, a tangible reason to look past the mounting disappointment of a 0-3 preseason record.

This sense of calm isn’t blind optimism; it’s built on the evidence of the first-half showcase by the starters. With Patrick Mahomes conducting the orchestra, the first-team offense was a symphony of efficiency, scoring on all three of its drives to build a 17-3 lead.

The much-scrutinized offensive line, specifically left guard Kingsley Suamataia, held firm—a significant step up from the previous week’s struggles. Then came the moment that felt like a promise fulfilled: a 58-yard dime from Mahomes to the blazing-fast Tyquan Thornton. It was a visceral reminder of the deep-ball threat that has been missing, a declaration that the offense’s calculus is expanding. Mahomes finished 8-of-13 for 143 yards and a TD, looking every bit the superstar who has defined a generation of Chiefs football.

What’s more cheerful for Andy Reid and co.? It is the Chiefs’ depth that could help them pave the way for another successful season.

From stalwarts to starlets: Chiefs’ depth on full display

The defensive starters, looking to atone for a rough outing in Seattle, were equally stout, limiting Chicago to just 83 yards on their first three drives. Safety Chamarri Conner flew around with six tackles, and the return of key contributors like Jaylen Watson and Kristian Fulton provided glimpses of the depth and versatility that define coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s units. This is the core that has been to the mountaintop, and for a brief, dazzling half, they played with the synergy of a group that knows exactly where it’s going.

Beyond the established stars, the preseason finale was a showcase for the new blood fighting to earn a seat on the ride. Rookie Brashard Smith, ‘yes, with the 1’s,’ continued his electric camp, his speed and balance making him ‘an extremely hard cover for ANY LB in the NFL.’ Nikko Remigio, a long-time special teams favorite, made crucial offensive plays, snagging a 9-yard pass on third-and-8 to extend a drive and proving his value extends beyond returns.

These performances are the lifeblood of a sustained contender, the unheralded moments that build a roster capable of weathering the long NFL season. As the team faces tough cuts to get down to 53 players, the abundance of talent is a high-class problem, one that General Manager Brett Veach will happily navigate.

The Chiefs’ legacy is not built on undefeated preseasons. It’s forged in the grueling grind of practice, the genius of a coach who holds plays close to his vest until the moment demands them, and a culture that prioritizes progress over perfection in August. The disappointment of a loss is merely data; the health of the roster and the flashes of brilliance from both stars and hopefuls are the story. Andy Reid, the unflappable architect of this modern dynasty, knows the difference. His post-game calm is a signal to everyone: the foundation is solid, the kingdom is healthy, and the real show is just about to begin.