Seattle and Kansas City concluded their preseason with a gritty 9-9 tie at Arrowhead Stadium, as special teams struggles defined the outcome for both franchises.
The Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs finished their 2026 preseason schedules with a 9-9 tie on August 29, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. The contest ended in dramatic fashion when Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed a potential game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired. The result leaves both franchises with identical 0-2-1 records as they prepare for the regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs Performance
The Chiefs relied heavily on their kicking game to remain competitive against a resilient Seattle defense. Harrison Butker was the primary source of offense for Kansas City, successfully converting three field goals from distances of 28, 24, and 19 yards. His accuracy kept the Chiefs within striking distance throughout the defensive struggle, but the inability to score a touchdown ultimately capped their offensive output at nine points.
On the field, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier took the snaps after starting signal-caller Patrick Mahomes was listed as questionable. Nussmeier completed 22 of 34 passes for 198 yards, though he threw one interception that highlighted the challenges of moving the ball against Seattle’s secondary. The ground attack was led by Brashard Smith, who handled 16 carries for 72 yards, providing modest balance to the passing game. Andrew Armstrong emerged as the top receiving target for Kansas City, hauling in five receptions for 54 yards.
Defensively, the Chiefs showed flashes of disruption. R Mason Thomas recorded one sack, applying pressure on the Seattle quarterback. Linebacker Marcus Harris anchored the defense with six total tackles, helping to limit Seattle’s scoring opportunities despite the low final tally. The performance served as a critical evaluation period for depth players ahead of Sunday’s roster cuts deadline.
Seattle Seahawks Performance
Seattle’s offense found more rhythm than Kansas City’s, particularly through the air. Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe led the Seahawks with efficient play, completing 16 of 26 attempts for 223 yards and one touchdown. Milroe connected with Nick Vannett on a 4-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his ability to make plays downfield. However, the drive stalled when Jason Myers failed to convert the subsequent extra point, leaving Seattle with only six points from that possession.
The running back corps was paced by Jacardia Wright, who carried the ball 15 times for 33 rushing yards. While the yardage per carry was low, Wright provided necessary volume in an offense that struggled to sustain long drives. Cody White was the most productive receiver for Seattle, catching three passes for 69 yards, including key gains that helped move the chains. The offense managed to outgain the Chiefs in total passing yards but could not capitalize on all scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the Seahawks were stout, limiting Kansas City to field goals only. Patrick O’Connell was the standout performer on that side of the ball, recording a team-high eight total tackles. The defense forced turnovers and maintained discipline, preventing the Chiefs from establishing a consistent running game or finding end-zone efficiency. The missed extra point and the final missed field goal were the defining moments of a game where Seattle had the statistical edge but lacked the finishing touch.
Turning Point
The decisive moment of the game arrived in the final seconds when Jason Myers attempted a 52-yard field goal to win the contest. The miss preserved the tie, capping a game defined by missed opportunities. Earlier, the failed PAT after Vannett’s touchdown proved costly, as it left Seattle trailing or tied depending on the timing of other scores, but the late miss was the ultimate determinant of the result. Both teams failed to convert red-zone efficiency into touchdowns, relying instead on field goals which proved insufficient to separate them.
What It Means
This tie has significant implications for both rosters as the regular season approaches. For the Chiefs, the status of Patrick Mahomes remains uncertain heading into Week 1, with him listed as questionable. The performance of Garrett Nussmeier will likely determine the depth chart hierarchy if Mahomes cannot suit up. For Seattle, the injury report is concerning, with key players like Kenneth Walker III, Irv Charles (IR), Jimmy Holiday (IR), Brock Lampe, Aaron Smith, Amari Kight, and Power Echols dealing with various designations. Additionally, running back Zach Charbonnet remains on the PUP list, shifting focus to backups like Jadarian Price.
- Roster Finalization: Both teams have now finalized their 53-man rosters following the Sunday deadline, with the Seahawks releasing cornerback Trevon Diggs but expecting to sign him to the practice squad.
- Quarterback Evaluation: The matchup provided extended looks for third-string quarterbacks Nussmeier and Milroe, giving coaches valuable data on depth behind the starters.
- Special Teams Struggles: The combined failure of Jason Myers on two crucial kicks highlights a need for consistency in the kicking game for Seattle before the regular season begins.
With no next game scheduled, both teams are focused on final preparations. The Chiefs must resolve the Mahomes situation, while Seattle must address its injury concerns and refine its offensive execution. The 9-9 tie serves as a neutral baseline, offering no clear advantage to either side as they head toward the 2026 NFL season opener.
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