Storylines to Watch as Cardinals Battle Chiefs

GLENDALE -- The countdown for kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals is officially here, as the two sides look to sharpen their iron against each other in the second of three preseason contests for both teams.

The Cardinals hope to continue their winning ways after defeating the Denver Broncos last week in a thrilling 18-17 comeback victory, while the Chiefs fell to the New Orleans Saints in dramatic 26-24 fashion.

When the defending Super Bowl champs hit the grass at State Farm Stadium, key players such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are expected to play most of the first half according to head coach Andy Reid.

"As far as the playing time goes for this coming game, the ones will go for a half and then we'll mix in the twos and threes in the third quarter," Reid said via Arrowhead Report.

"Obviously, there are things that happen during the game — don't hold me accountable if we pull people out whenever."

We'll start our storylines to watch here:

Storylines to Watch in Chiefs-Cardinals

Test Against The Best

What better way to sharpen your iron than playing against one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation and his crew looking to defend their Super Bowl championship?

Cardinals DC Nick Rallis is up for the challenge.

"Do I enjoy good competition? Absolutely. Yes, I do. That's a phenomenal offense. Obviously, [getting to face] one of the best quarterbacks in the game, you'll find out how high of a level you can compete, so I'm excited for that," said Rallis this week.

The Cardinals held out some key starters last week vs. Denver, and though Jonathan Gannon wouldn't reveal who would play (and how much they would play), you have to figure Arizona will take this opportunity to see how their guys stack up against the best of the best before the regular season begins.

Settling Into New Positions

Both Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins are settling into their new roles at safety and outside linebacker, respectively.

Each played limited snaps last week against the Broncos, though Collins was able to be more active early on with a QB hurry and tackle on backside run support before being pulled.

Simmons was paired with Jalen Thompson in base packages while Budda Baker didn't suit up. Baker - who is expected to make his debut - will take his spot back and push Simmons to the single-high safety look we've seen throughout training camp for however long the two are in the game.

Will Collins be able to showcase anything in his pass-rush arsenal? Does Simmons get tested deep by Mahomes and co. today?

It's another opportunity for both defensive playmakers to settle into their new spots ahead of the regular season.

Position Battles Galore

The second preseason game will give another live-action shot for guys jockeying for position on the depth chart:

WR2 - Marquise Brown is already the undisputed first target on offense, but can anybody stop Michael Wilson's ascension up the depth chart? Rondale Moore already has his spot secured in the slot, and Zach Pascal is the only other receiver capable on the boundary to earn legitimate playing time.

LG - This is one of the more quieter position battles, as Elijah Wilkinson has taken majority of starting reps at this spot, though Dennis Daley has seen some time with the first group and could still make it a difficult decision with stellar play in the final two games.

CB2 - Marco Wilson anchors down one boundary corner spot, but who can take the other? Antonio Hamilton was again listed on the team's depth chart as the other starter after walking away with an interception last week, though Kei'Trel Clark and Christian Matthew have split reps with the first team. That spot is anybody's for the taking.

ILB - Kyzir White is expected to make his debut today, and his spot in Arizona's lineup as one of two off-ball linebackers is safe. Next to him is a different story, however. Josh Woods and Krys Barnes continue to duke it out for starting duties in a battle that's likely to do the distance of the preseason.

RB2 - The Cardinals went and signed Marlon Mack hoping to provide a valuable body behind James Conner. Days later, Mack tore his Achilles and Arizona is again stuck with the competition between Corey Clement and Keaontay Ingram.