The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams might have ended in a 20-12 loss for the home team, but forget the final score for a second. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson absolutely exploded onto the scene, arguably taking the title of player of the game for the Chiefs offense. This Nebraska kid, now rocking No. 10, led all rushers with 59 yards, showing off balance, strength, and vision that blew everyone away. He even caught all three of his targets, getting involved in the screen game. The buzz about him has been building since the offseason, but if he keeps this up, Johnson is going to force his way onto the field before the regular season even kicks off.
Rookies Stealing the Spotlight Early
It wasn’t just Johnson making waves. The early returns on this rookie class are looking seriously positive. Who knew a seventh-round quarterback like Garrett Nussmeier could look so good under pressure? The LSU product was poised and creative, flashing a quick release and surprising throw-on-the-run ability. That’s not something you expect from a late-round flyer, but he’s making a statement. On the receiving end, rookie Cyrus Allen didn’t have the most efficient debut, snagging two of five targets, but he absolutely owned a crucial 3rd and 8, climbing the ladder to make a spectacular grab. That’s the kind of aggressive, strong-handed play Chiefs fans have been craving, and it just cranked up the hype train for Allen.
Another receiver, Andrew Armstrong, made his mark too. While he only had one 17-yard catch, his blocking was out of this world. This 6-foot-4, 210-pound big-bodied target was dishing out pancakes in the running and screen games. For a guy lower on the depth chart, making plays on special teams and as a blocker is how you get noticed, and Armstrong might have just taken a massive step toward winning a job.
Defense Flashes, But Depth Concerns Linger
On the defensive side, safety Jaden Hicks was the absolute big winner. If Johnson was the offensive star, Hicks was his defensive counterpart. This guy was everywhere against the Rams, racking up seven tackles, including one for a loss, and breaking up a pass. It was a seriously promising performance.
However, it wasn’t all sunshine and highlight reels. Despite the strong showings from these rookies and a few veterans, the game also exposed some real depth concerns on both sides of the ball. The score might not matter, but the individual performances certainly do, and these guys left impressions that could have huge implications for the initial roster. The Chiefs are back on the field soon, and every snap for these players is another chance to solidify their spot and prove they belong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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