Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert wasted no time in his second-half debut against the Arizona Cardinals after finding receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette for a long gain midway through the third quarter.
The play game after a long drive by the Cardinals brought Arizona within seven points of tying the game. Gabbert targeted Smith-Marsette deep downfield and uncorked an impressive pass that landed right in the receiver’s breadbasket.
#Chiefs QB Blaine Gabbert connects with WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette for a 44-yard gain. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/xmTAcXTlfF
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) August 20, 2023
The 44-yard gain would set up a touchdown connection by the duo later in the drive when Gabbert found Smith-Marsette in the red zone.
QB Blaine Gabbert connects with Ihmir-Smith-Marsette, who breaks a tackle and scores a 15-yard TD. PAT is good. #Chiefs – 24#Cardinals – 10#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/YbQ04t5ca0
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) August 20, 2023
Kansas City went up by 14 points after the score and is in control of this matchup heading into the final minutes of the third quarter. Smith-Marsette’s involvement in the second half has been a breath of fresh air for the Chiefs’ offense, which needed a rebound after the disappointing finish to its preseason Week 1 exhibition against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.