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Chiefs Newcomer’s strong 2025 preseason is a good thing for Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes


Posted August 24, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Gardner Minshew was the team’s best QB of the 2025 preseason. In fact, it wasn’t particularly close, either.

Minshew put a ribbon on his 2025 summer against a NFC opponent, completing 19 of 26 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, including a last-minute, go-ahead drive capped by a strike to an undrafted rookie wideout.

Minshew signed a short-term veteran deal earlier this offseason in a move that shows how much the Chiefs value his role on the roster. It also confirms that GM Brett Veach doesn’t want the former Washington State star anywhere but Kansas City, even with Patrick Mahomes firmly in place.

It’s been pretty obvious throughout training camp and the preseason that Minshew has a tighter grasp on Andy Reid’s offense than the younger reserves right now, and there’s no doubt players believe in Minshew when he’s in the huddle. Translation? He would be a fine starter for the Chiefs if anything should happen to Mahomes — whether it’s a short-term injury or simply protecting the franchise QB from unnecessary preseason risk.

We’re a long way from any scenario where Mahomes isn’t “the guy,” but it’s clear that Gardner Minshew’s continued development has raised the standard in 2025. Kansas City’s QB room is no longer Mahomes or bust; Minshew’s stock is rising almost as fast as his value inside the locker room.

If there’s one thing that helps NFL players — the real-deal players — reach their maximum upside, it’s competition. It’s also the fear of losing their job. Even in Kansas City, there’s at least a little bit of that for the backup battle. And, no, it won’t be a 2025 “QB1 controversy.” The Chiefs will ride with Mahomes while Minshew sharpens the room and keeps the offense on schedule. But if disaster ever strikes? Or if the offense needs a steady hand for a stretch? All options are on the table.

The awesome Gardner Minshew story could reach new heights if the moment calls. Mahomes has as strong a competitive spirit as anyone on the roster, and if anything will keep him razor-sharp in a championship chase, it’s the surging, steady presence of Minshew behind him.

NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Brad Rogers After Controversial Finish in Chiefs–Jaguars Game
 Posted October 7, 2025 Jacksonville, FL — October 7, 2025 The NFL has officially suspended referee Brad Rogers and his entire officiating crew following the highly controversial ending to Monday’s Chiefs–Jaguars matchup — a game that ignited national outrage and sparked widespread debate over officiating integrity. According to league sources and officiating assignment data from Football Zebras, the suspended crew consisted of: Referee: Brad Rogers (#126) Umpire: Bryan Neale (#92) Down Judge: Patrick Turner (#13) Line Judge: Kevin Codey (#16) Field Judge: Joe Blubaugh (#57) Side Judge: David Meslow (#118) Back Judge: Greg Yette (#38) Replay Official: Denise Crudup Replay Assistant: Brian Smith The decision follows mounting scrutiny over multiple missed and overturned calls that directly influenced the outcome of the game. The most heated moment came early in the first quarter, when an offensive pass interference flag against Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was initially thrown but then picked up after a discussion prompted by Patrick Mahomes’ on-field plea. The play allowed Kansas City to score their opening touchdown, taking a 7–0 lead. Broadcast replays showed clear blocking downfield beyond the allowable buffer, fueling accusations that the officials caved to star-player pressure. Later in the fourth quarter, in what fans called “the robbery of the season,” a glaring defensive pass interference by Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks on Jaguars receiver Parker Washington went uncalled just before Trent McDuffie’s interception. The no-call handed Kansas City prime field position to extend the game, with ESPN announcer Joe Buck openly criticizing the officials for the “obvious miss.” The Eagles were denied a final opportunity to score, and Denver escaped with a 27–24 victory. The broadcast replay showed Dallas Goedert’s jersey being visibly grabbed, fueling fury among players, coaches, and fans alike. Adding to the chaos was a third-quarter red-zone sequence where overlooked holding penalties on Chiefs linemen and a potential roughing-the-passer infraction on Mahomes paved the way for Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd’s 99-yard pick-six. Analysts decried it as “one of the worst missed calls you’ll ever see,” flipping momentum decisively toward Jacksonville. The Jaguars held on for a 31–28 victory as the Chiefs failed to respond in the final seconds. Social media erupted within minutes. The phrase “Chiefs got robbed” trended at #1 on X (formerly Twitter), with over 2 million posts in 24 hours. Several analysts, including former referee Gene Steratore, called for an official review of the officiating crew’s conduct. One viral post summarized the fan sentiment:“If this isn’t rigging, what is? The refs changed the outcome of the game — plain and simple.” NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson confirmed in a brief statement that the league found “a series of critical officiating errors that failed to meet professional standards.” The suspension is immediate and indefinite pending further investigation — marking one of the rare occasions in modern NFL history where an entire officiating crew has been disciplined following a single game. For Chiefs fans, the suspension offers little comfort. The damage, as many see it, has already been done — a win stolen, a legacy questioned, and the integrity of the league once again under fire.