Bears vs Chiefs: Preseason Finale Intel Report

The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a 15–2 season and a Super Bowl appearance, will start their top players in the preseason finale against the Bears. Patrick Mahomes, core offensive weapons, and key defensive contributors are scheduled to play. Although several injuries affect the defensive rotation, the Chiefs intend to sharpen rhythm and cohesion before Week 1. For Chicago, this creates a rare and valuable evaluation setting against one of the NFL’s premier programs.

Context

• 2024 Recap: Kansas City finished 15–2, secured the AFC West title, and reached Super Bowl LIX before falling to Philadelphia.
• Preseason Approach: Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that starters will begin the finale. Their playing time will be adjusted based on performance and situational need.
• Injury Outlook: Six players, including multiple defenders, were unavailable for recent practices. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah is expected to be placed on injured reserve.
• Offensive Line Focus: Reid and staff are closely evaluating the left side of the offensive line, indicating an area still developing.

Key Findings

• Starter Usage: Reid stated, “They’ll start it off, for sure, and then we’ll see how it goes from there.” This indicates controlled but meaningful snaps for key starters.
• Offensive Line Evaluation: Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, and other linemen on the left side remain under close review, creating potential instability in protection schemes.
• Secondary Concerns: Injuries and rotational changes in the defensive backfield may limit cohesion against Chicago’s passing attack.
• Roster Competition: This game serves as a final audition for several Kansas City depth players before roster decisions are finalized.

Strategic Implications for the Bears

• Prime Evaluation Opportunity: Facing a Mahomes-led offense in live action provides Chicago with a rare chance to test defensive schemes against elite execution.
• Exploit Secondary Weaknesses: Absences in the Chiefs’ defensive backfield present opportunities to attack intermediate and boundary coverages.
• Assess Pass Rush Matchups: Chicago’s front seven can measure its effectiveness against an offensive line still developing on the left side.
• Build Depth Confidence: A competitive setting will highlight how Bears reserves respond to live pressure and roster-level urgency.

Recommendations

• Simulate Situational Drives: Call sequences that stress red zone efficiency, third-down execution, and two-minute drills.
• Target Defensive Backfield: Design passing concepts that force inexperienced coverage players into one-on-one matchups.
• Study Offensive Line Matchups: Emphasize pass-rush evaluation against Simmons and Suamataia to capture film on tendencies and weaknesses.
• Control Starter Workload: Define clear snap limits for Bears starters to balance readiness with injury prevention.

Conclusion

The Chiefs’ decision to play starters transforms the preseason finale into a high-level competitive test. Despite injuries affecting Kansas City’s depth, the game offers Chicago a valuable chance to refine execution, exploit mismatches, and evaluate roster resilience under pressure. By treating this contest as a live rehearsal, Chicago can refine strategy, sharpen execution, and strengthen roster evaluations heading into Week 1.