In a back-and-forth ending that would've gave NFL RedZone a run for its money if it happened during the regular season, Jake Bates made a 43-yard, game-winning field goal in the closing seconds as the Lions overcame three turnovers to beat the Chiefs, 24-23, for their first preseason win.
The last few minutes were a whirlwind. Down 23-21 with less than six minutes remaining, the Lions punted the ball back to the Chiefs. After using Patrick Mahomes and the other offensive starters in the first quarter, the Chiefs went to their fourth quarterback in Ian Book late in the fourth quarter. He would fumble on back-to-back plays, losing the second fumble as the Lions recovered with a chance to drain clock.
Three plays later, Hendon Hooker's handoff would go awry and the Lions would give the ball back to Kansas City. The Lions forced a quick three-and-out with Isaiah Williams putting up a big return to set up the field goal.
Outside of the fumbled handoff, Hooker performed much better in clean conditions. He finished 12-for-15 passing for 150 yards and had a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Williams yet again led the Lions in receiving yards, finishing with 71 yards on six catches and showing his punt returning ability with 41 yards on three returns. Bates went 4-for-4 on field goals with 55 yards being his longest make, although he did miss an extra point.
Other performers include Sione Vaki, who continued his strong preseason with six rushes for 22 yards and also excelled in the pass game with four receptions for 60 yards. Defensively, the Lions had three sacks and nine total tackles for loss, with Amik Robertson making multiple defensive plays in coverage in the first half.
The Lions will play their lone home preseason game against the Steelers next Saturday.
Bates hits 43-yard FG as time expires in rollercoaster ending
Now the Chiefs have to punt deep from their own end zone. It's Williams who catches it from the Lions' 42 and breaks multiple tackles before being tackled out of bounds by punter Matt Arazia at the Chiefs' 38. Hooker finds Kennedy on the screen pass for 14 yards as the Lions are now easily in field goal range for Bates. Funk runs for 5 yards before Hooker kneels twice as the Lions use their final timeout with two seconds left. It's a 43-yard field goal for Bates, who drills it as the Lions win on a last-second field goal in a crazy ending. (End of game)
Now the Chiefs take over at their own 6-yard line. Bailey is met by a couple of Lions defenders as Detroit calls its second timeout. The Chiefs go for a pass play on second down and Book throws it away to stop the clock for the Lions. The Chiefs pass the ball again on third down and Book yet again throws it away as we reach the two-minute warning. (2:00)
Now it's first-and-goal for the Lions at the Chiefs' 7-yard line. Funk runs on back-to-back plays for a combined gain of 3 yards and force the Chiefs to use two timeouts. On third-and-goal, the ball is fumbled on the handoff and Kansas City recovers. That's the Lions' third turnover of the game and is their most costly. (2:14)
Kansas City looks to drain the clock on this drive while Detroit looks for a stop to give its offense one more chance at a win. The Lions get a good chance as the Chiefs are called for holding on the return, putting them at their own 15. Ian Book comes in and find Remigio on a short pass for 4 yards, then connects with Baylor Cupp for a 12-yard play and a first down. Emani Bailey runs for a yard as Kansas City takes their first timeout, then Book throws a 50-50 pass on a play with offsetting penalties as they'll replay second down. The snap is high as Book fumbles it and somehow recovers it for a loss of 7 yards. On third-and-16, Book has nowhere to go and loses the ball while getting tackled by Josh Paschal, as the ball is recovered by Beauplan and the Lions will take over in great field position. (2:59)
Hooker and Williams impress on TD drive, still trail late
Lions call for the touchback as they'll start on their own 30. Funk gains nothing on the first down run, but goes gain 11 yards on the pass to Hooker for the first down. Hooker finds Williams again, who bursts away from the defense for 37 yards as Isaiah Williams is making a strong case to make this Lions roster. Hooker stays in rhythm and connects with Calhoun for 12 yards to make it first-and-goal. After two runs from Funk combine for just 3 yards, Hooker drops back on third down and stays patient before scrambling away for the 7-yard touchdown. The Lions go for two to tie the game, but Hooker can't find anyone open and takes the sack. (5:29)
Lions stall on first fourth-quarter drive, Chiefs score in three plays
The Chiefs offense comes back out as Oladokun throws a quick pass to Smith short of the sticks, then gets the Lions to bite on the play action pass to Remigio for 13 yards. Oladokun's pass to Cornell Powell is right over the hands of Steven Gilmore, with Powell outrunning the Lions defense down the sideline for the 64-yard touchdown. The extra point is good and now the Lions trail by eight. (9:25)
Knight continues his strong running with a 4-yard gain on first down, then Kennedy makes a jumping catch before being undercut in the air for a big fall, but he holds on for the first down. Knight can't gain anything on first down, then Hooker scrambles down the middle and slides a yard short of the first down. On third down, the pocket collapses and Hooker takes the sack for a 4-yard loss as the Lions are forced to punt. Jack Fox makes a big punt as Montrell Washington catches it at the Kansas City 3-yard line and returns it for 12 yards. (10:57)
(Start of 4th Quarter) We start on third-and-27 for the Chiefs as they settle for a screen pass for a 5-yard gain as the punt is almost blocked and Williams calls for the fair catch at the Lions' 9. (14:18)
Offense shows life, defense makes stops as Lions trail
The Chiefs returners have been dangerous today, as now it's Skyy Moore taking the return midfield. Kansas City starts at their own 47 and first down is a pass to Prince who spins ahead for seven yards. Oladokun throws a quick pass to Irv Smith to move the chains, then Loren Strickland goes through the gap and tackles Prince for a one-yard loss on first-and-10. Oladokun gets a high snap and has to scramble before throwing the ball away on second down, but defensive holding is called on Javelin Guidry to give the Chiefs a fresh set of downs. The Lions defense comes up with another tackle for loss, this time from Abraham Beauplan for a loss of three yards. Oladokun tries to scramble away, but is tackled before he can throw the ball away by Ukwu for a big loss of 14 yards as we head to the final quarter of this game. (End of third quarter)
Lions convert three consecutive times on third down, settle for FG
Hooker tosses it to Knight for a 5-yard gain on first down, then Knight gets another toss for 5 yards and a first down. The Lions have really used Knight in this quarter, as he takes his third straight carry for another solid gain of 4 yards. Hooker connects with Williams on the screen pass for 8 yards to move the chains again. Fink takes the first-down carry for 3 yards, which is called back thanks to offensive holding as it's now first-and-20. Hooker throws a missile to Maurice Alexander in a 12-yard reception, then Funk gains 2 yards to make it third-and-6. Hooker steps up in the pocket and makes a solid throw to Williams for another Lions first down. First-and-10 near midfield and Hooker connects with Fountain for 9 yards, then second down is a long toss to Funk as he's just short of the marker. The Lions throw on third-and-1 as Hooker finds Alexander for a big gain of 28 yards. Lions are in Chiefs territory, but Williams is tackled 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage on first down. Funk can't handle the pass on second down, and third down is a short pass to Fountain as Detroit can't keep the drive going. Bates comes out and makes easy work of the 32-yard field goal. (3:15)
Chiefs go to their third quarterback of the day with Chris Oladokun, as Prince runs up the middle for 3 yards on the first down carry. After a false start from the offense, Oladokun scrambles for a three yard gain then Oladokun's third down pass is incomplete to Hardman. The Lions force a quick three-and-out and will start from their own 11 on the next drive. (10:14)
(Start of third quarter) The Lions will start on their 23 as Hendon Hooker comes out to start this drive. Kennedy gains nine yards on the ground, then Hooker misses the roll-out throw to Daurice Fountain on his first pass attempt. Luckily it's third-and-1 as Zonovan Knight runs down the middle for 7 yards and a first down. After a false start penalty, Knight gets another carry and gets 13 yards. On second-and-2, the Chiefs sniff out the Knight rush as Curtis Jacobs makes the TFL for a loss of three. It's third-and-5 and Hooker's screen pass is batted down. Nikko Remingo gets a lane down the Chiefs sideline on the punt return, but Knight makes the big tackle as the Chiefs will start near midfield after the timeout. (12:04)
Lions settle for three points, trail Chiefs 16-12 at halftime
Lions get a chance to practice their two-minute drill on this drive. Vaki gains three yards on the ground before the two-minute warning, then after the time stoppage Sudfeld can't connect with Davis again. On third-and-7, Sudfeld finds Vaki who runs away from defenders for a 20-yard reception and a first down. Sudfeld and Vaki connect again, this time for 16 yards. Williams gets the next reception for just 5 yards, then Vaki gets another catch before being pushed out of bounds for 11 yards. Sudfeld throws back-to-back incompletions to make it third-and-10 at the Chiefs 33, then Sudfeld pitches it to Jake Funk for 16 yards as the Lions use their second timeout with 36 seconds remaining. It's first-and-10 at the Chiefs 17 as Sudfeld pumps and misses Williams near the sideline. But he doesn't miss Vaki down the middle, who takes a huge hit to the Kansas City 5-yard line as Campbell uses his final timeout with 26 seconds left. Sudfeld wants Williams again on the out-route, but it's a hard catch that's broken up by the Chiefs' Jaden Hicks. Sudfeld throws it away on second down, then can't connect with Tom Kennedy in the back of the end zone on third down. Detroit settles for a 23-yard field goal after a long drive. The Chiefs almost get a big return but are called back for offensive holding, as Wentz takes a knee for the final play of the half. (End of first half)
Wentz tries a screen pass to Toney but Khalil Dorsey makes a great tackle for a 4-yard loss. Prince gains 1 yard on the ground, then Wentz overthrows Mecole Hardman on third down as the Lions force a quick three-and-out. (2:13)
Sudfeld throws INT on first play, Chiefs regain possession
Tom Kennedy takes the kickoff from his end zone and brings it to the Lions' 26. On the first play, Sudfeld tries to thread the needle to Peoples-Jones, but it's an easy interception for Keith Taylor and the Chiefs take over with another chance to score. (3:48)
Prince makes big run, Lions force another FG with Betts sack
Steele takes the kickoff from out of bounds to the Chiefs 35. Wentz's 1-yard reception to Prince is erased thanks to offensive holding, but Prince runs away from the Lions defense and is tackled out of bounds by Ifeatu Melifonwu for a big 41-yard rush. Keaontay Ingram rushes for four yards, then Wentz's pass to Ross is broken up. Betts makes up for his earlier penalty by getting the quick sack on Wentz to force Butker to knock home the 56-yard field goal. Chiefs now up 16-9. (4:00)
Davis scores on 61-yard TD reception, Lions trail 13-9
Starting at their own 11, Vaki gets back-to-back carries for 11 total yards and moves the chains for the Lions. Sudfeld finds Williams, who speeds away from defenders for a 17-yard gain. Then on the next play, the offense finally shows big play potential as Sudfeld finds Davis on the crossing route, who speeds away from the Chiefs defense as the Lions score their first touchdown of the preseason. Bates misses the extra point wide left as the Lions now trail the Chiefs by four. (6:52)
Chiefs start their drive with Prince running for 4 yards, but get called for two penalties and have to move back 10 yards. On first-and-16, Jared Wiley takes the reception for 6 yards and is stopped by Robertson. Robertson makes another play on second down, with a leaping swat away from Kadarius Toney. Mathieu Betts jumps on third down to make it just five yards for the Chiefs to move the chains, but Wentz can't connect with Prince for the first down. On the ensuing punt, Williams fumbles the ball before he goes down but C.J. Moore falls on it and the Lions recover. (8:57)
Sudfeld stays at QB for this drive, and uses his legs on the first play of the drive to scramble for 10 yards and a first down. Lions go back to Vaki for a 4-yard gain on the ground, then Sudfeld's pass to Peoples-Jones goes high for an incompletion. On third-and-6, Sudfeld gets time but the man coverage by the Chiefs is tight and the pass to Kennedy is incomplete as this drive stops quickly. The Lions punt it away and Kansas City will start from their own 26-yard line. (10:38)
Wentz and the Chiefs get back on the field at their own 29. Deneric Prince runs for two yards, then the Chiefs get backed up five yards after a false start penalty. Wentz finds Steele, who breaks a few tackles for hard-earned 6 yards. The Chiefs go deep on third-and-7, but Kindle Vildor forces Justyn Ross out of bounds for the incompletion, as the Lions force the Chiefs to punt for the first time today. Williams returns the punt for 19 yards as the Lions will start on their own 25. (12:10)
Bates hits 55-yard field goal, Lions trail 13-3
(Start of second quarter) The first play of the second quarter is another run by Vaki for 2 yards, then Sudfeld misses his target as the Lions bring out Jake Bates. It's a 55-yard attempt and Bates hits it, with Bates still being responsible for all the Lions' preseason points. (14:12)
Chiefs offense rolls through, special teams creates turnover for 13-0 lead
Lions offense comes out for the second time after the touchback. Isaiah Williams gains 11 yards for the first down, then Sudfeld connects with Peoples-Jones for 5 more yards. James Mitchell gets the catch and runs for 13 yards and a first down, and finally Vaki gains 2 yards on the last play of the first quarter. (End of first quarter)
Calhoun fumbles, Worthy scores as Chiefs extend lead
The first big mistake for the Lions happens as rookie Jalon Calhoun fumbles on the return after getting tackled with Kansas City recovering on the Lions' 24. Mahomes is out as former first-round pick Carson Wentz comes out. Wentz and Worthy connects for a yard gain, then Steele runs up the middle for 2 yards. On third-and-7, Worthy speeds past the defense for a 22-yard touchdown. The extra point is good as the Chiefs take an early 13-0 lead. (1:47)
Mahomes shows his magic again, Lions force another FG
The Chiefs offense starts their second drive on their own 30. Carson Steele is tackled by Ben Niemann for a 2-yard run, then Mahomes overthrows Rashee Rice on second down. On third-and-8, Mahomes does connect with an open Rice for a 14-yard completion and a first down. Mahomes throws another quick pass to Rice for another first down as defensive lineman Issac Ukwu is down with an injury. After the timeout, we see Ukwu able to walk to the sideline and get into the injury tent on his own power. First-and-10 for the Chiefs on the Lions' 40 as Rice can't handle the pass from Mahomes, but Mahomes finds Rice on second down for their third straight connection this drive for 7 yards. Mahomes shows some magic on third-and-3, throwing behind his back to Travis Kelce on the option for a first down. Worthy takes the reverse on first down and is stripped by Brandon Joseph, but the fast rookie is able to recover his own fumble and gain another first down. Mahomes goes to the end zone on first down, but Amik Robertson swats it away. After a 4-yard run from Steele on second down, Mahomes goes back to Steele on the screen pass but it's shut down on a great play from linebacker Mitchell Agude. Butker comes out and hits the 37-yard field goal. (3:21)
Sione Vaki slips on the return and is downed at the Lions 23. Nate Sudfeld starts the first drive for the Lions and throws an incomplete pass on his first attempt. Sudfeld checks it down to Craig Reynolds on second down to make it third-and-7, where he finds Tom Kennedy sitting down the middle as he falls forward for the first down. After a defensive penalty makes it first-and-5, Reynolds runs to the outside gets enough for another first down. Sudfeld can't take advantage of Donovan Peoples-Jones 1-on-1 and misses the throw, but finds Shane Zylstra near the sideline for 5 yards. It's third-and-5 as Sudfeld escapes the pocket and connects with Kaden Davis who is 3 yards short of the marker. The Lions try and go for it on fourth down, but are called for a false start and decide to punt. The penalties don't stop as the Lions are called for holding on the punt. (8:34)
Mahomes and Chiefs starters move the chains, settle for FG
(Start of first quarter) Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offensive starters are out for their first series against the Lions' second team. Mahomes' first pass goes nowhere on a screen to Rashee Rice, then the Lions' pressure forces the throwaway from Mahomes. On third-and-10, Mahomes gets time and finds the rookie Xavier Worthy wide open down the sideline for a big 39-yard completion. Mahomes is in rhythm, connecting with receiver Justin Watson down the middle for a 17-yard gain. Isiah Pacheco gets 2 yards on the ground, then the Lions force back-to-back incompletions from Mahomes as Harrison Butker hits the 33-yard field goal as the Chiefs take an early 3-0 lead. (12:16)
Kickoff
Kansas City wears their red home uniforms with white pants, while Detroit has on their white unis with blue pants. The Chiefs will get the ball first and start at their own 24-yard line.
We are back for Week 2 of Lions preseason football! Dan Campbell and his team will take on Andy Reid's Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. It's pretty packed for a preseason game, then again this is the home of the defending NFL champions.
Preview
The Detroit Lions head to Arrowhead Stadium for Week 2 of the preseason to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
While this game isn't nearly important as last year's season opener between these two teams, there are still things to look out for. The Chiefs plan to use most of their starters for the majority of the first half, while the Lions are still going with backups to see who gets ahead in the many position battles the team has to manage.
The Lions will be looking closely at the offense, which looked stagnant in a 14-3 loss to the Giants last week. Hendon Hooker left the game early under concussion protocol, but seems to be trending in the right direction to play.
Hooker's update is a good sign for the Lions, which was bit by the injury bug this past week. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury, while rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. were banged up, as well.
Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News freelance writer Kameron Goodwill.
Lions at Chiefs
NFL PRESEASON
▶Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
▶TV/radio: Fox, NFL Network/97.1
▶Streaming: DetroitLions.com
▶Preseason records: Both teams are 0-1
