NFL News & Analysis

KC-GB grades: Chiefs QB Bray solid in victory

Kansas City Chiefs 17, Green Bay Packers 7

Here are the top-graded players and biggest takeaways from the Chiefs' 17-7 victory over the Packers:

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback grades: Tyler Bray, 73.1

Bray solid in victory; maintains position on depth chart

It wasn’t a terribly encouraging performance from Bray, but due to the poor play of Aaron Murray and Kevin Hogan, the former Tennessee Volunteer doesn’t have to worry about his job being in jeopardy any time soon. His statline would have looked much better had it not been for three drops as he did a good job of keeping the ball out of harm's way.

Top offensive grades: 

T Zach Sterup, 84.1
G Jordan Devey, 78.3
TE Brian Parker, 77.1
WR De’Anthony Thomas, 76.8
T Reid Fragel, 75.3

Thomas flashes with four catches, 45 yards 

On one hand it’s a tad disappointing that in his third season, De’Anthony Thomas still has to play in the final preseason game. But on the other hand it’s encouraging that he’s making the most of that opportunity. Thomas caught all four of his targets and gained 17 of his 45 yards after the catch.

Top defensive grades: 

LB Ramik Wilson, 82.3
S Jeron Johnson, 81.9
LB Terrance Smith, 81.8
S Brock Vereen, 80.5
S Eric Murray, 80.1

Backup linebackers impress again 

A couple of very clean days for the Chiefs backup linebackers. Undrafted free agent Terrance Smith made a nice stop on a screen early in the game, while Ramik Wilson was a quick read against the run, collecting three stops. Surprisingly, the pass rush was relatively ineffective despite four sacks. Outside of those plays, Chiefs defenders collected only three other total pressures.

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback grades: Joe Callahan, 54.5

Callahan comes back down to Earth after excellent Week 3

After a scintillating performance a week ago that included some downright gorgeous throws, Callahan showed why he likely won’t be taking the backup job from Brett Hundley anytime soon. The offense was obviously a dumbed-down version of the Packers playbook and relied very heavily on slants and hitches, but Callahan still struggled to string together multiple quality throws.

Top offensive grades: 

G Lane Taylor, 77.4
WR Jared Abbrederis, 75.4
T Kyle Murphy, 74.7
T Jason Spriggs, 72.3
G Lucas Patrick, 70.4

Abbrederis emerges ahead of Adams, Montgomery 

It can be difficult to pick a standout performer when an offense only manages seven points and that was the case Thursday night. If I had to pick one, it would be Jared Abbrederis simply for what his performance means towards his standing on the receiver depth chart. Abbrederis, Davante Adams, and Ty Montgomery all saw significant snaps as they battle for the coveted third receiver slot. All caught only two passes, but Abbrederis’ came on only three targets compared to five for both the others. We also saw the same issues from Montgomery and Adams rear their ugly heads again — Montgomery with an easy drop and Adams losing on multiple routes.

Top defensive grades: 

CB Ladarious Gunter, 83
OLB Kyler Fackrell, 82.3
CB Robertson Daniel, 82.1
LB Carl Bradford, 81.1
CB Josh Hawkins, 80.7

Gunter continues preseason dominance 

The Packers' secondary continued its dominance this preseason. They combined for two pass breakups, and two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 43.9 when targeted. Ladarius Gunter also finishes preseason as the Packers highest-rated cornerback for the second time in as many seasons.

Check out the Packers' in-depth 2016 season preview right here.

Packers season preview

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