The start of preseason games for the Kansas City Chiefs began last night in Atlanta against the Falcons.  The Chiefs could only score one touchdown late in the game as they would lose to the Falcons, 20-10.

Atlanta would get the ball first, and would drive deep into Chiefs territory.  The defense would stop the Falcons at the 12 yard line.  Atlanta would end the 55 yard drive by kicking a 30 yard field goal and taking a quick 3-0 lead. 

The score would stay this way until late in the 2nd quarter.  Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle would lead the team on a 16 play, 78 yard drive that would stall at the Atlanta three yard line.  Kansas City would settle for a 20 yard field goal from Ryan Succop that would tie the score at 3.

In the second half, the Chiefs would start with the ball, but Croyle would throw an interception that would be returned to the Kansas City 14 yard line.  The Falcons, after converting a fourth down, would score a touchdown from two yards out and take a 10-3 lead.

The Falcons would score again as quarterback John Parker Wilson would throw a 20 yard touchdown pass that would be called back on a penalty.  But Atlanta would not be denied as they kept driving and would score on a one yard touchdown run.  This would end a 19 play, 81 yard drive.  Atlanta was now up 17-3 early in the fourth quarter.

Another turnover by the Chiefs would lead to another field goal by the Falcons.  This one would be from 37 yards out and Atlanta was now well ahead 20-3.

The Chiefs lone touchdown would come with about 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter as quarterback Tyler Palko would score to cap off a 15 play, 84 yard drive. 

Chiefs’ rookies Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas did have good debuts.  McCluster would catch three passes for 23 yards and rush five times for 25 yards.  Arenas would have kick returns of 42 and 99 yards.  The second would be called back because of a penalty. 

Kansas City will be back in action next Saturday night in Florida against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.