The Chiefs' 17-16 preseason opening loss to the Seahawks was bookended by touchdowns with field goals in between.
The first touchdown was by the Chiefs, which meant their starting and second-team defense didn't allow Seattle in the end zone, and for that several players could take a bow. Cornerback Marcus Peters ended Seattle's first drive with an interception. The performance of rookie defensive end Chris Jones was even more appreciated by Andy Reid after film work. Outside linebacker Dadi Nicolas was especially active.
So was Dezman Moses.
In 19 snaps, Moses recorded a tackle for loss and a deflected pass. The plays came on consecutive possessions in the second quarter when Moses took the field along with other second-team players.
The tackle was a bit of a gimme. Lining up on the right side, Moses blew in unblocked and dropped Alex Collins for a 4-yard loss.
The deflected pass was a better play, with Moses getting his hands on a Trevone Boykin attempt.
"That was a flat play," Moses said. "We had seen they were a quick-pass team, getting the ball out after one or two steps. If you can't get there as a rush, you have to have an effect a different way, and that's getting your hands on the ball."
Moses has spent three of his four pro seasons with the Chiefs, who re-signed him in June after he spent most of the offseason as a free agent.
The Chiefs need help at outside linebacker with banged-up starters Tamba Hali and Justin Houston working their way back from injuries.
Saturday's starters were Dee Ford and Frank Zombo. Moses is battling to be part of the mix.
"I have high expectations for myself this year," Moses said. "I worked extremely hard this offseason, physically and mentally preparing myself. For me, it's about taking that next step in my game. In this year, it's about taking that next step in my game.
"In this league, you have to improve every single year because somebody wants to take your job."
Moses started six games for the Packers as a rookie and has appeared in a total of 26 regular-season games for the Chiefs since then.
When he gets an opportunity to stay on the field for a few series, as he did in the second quarter on Saturday, Moses knows he has to make the most of it. That also has to happen off the field as well.
"For myself, being in my fifth year, I feel like I'm a leader, comfortable in the defense," Moses said. "If I can help anybody in any way, it's part of my job."
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