Steve Breaston: Chiefs took 'step back' vs. Seahawks

In the third game of the preseason, NFL teams hope to find out as much as possible about their teams so they can rest starters and sort out a few remaining position battles in the preseason finale before the last roster cuts.

During their third preseason game, a 44-14 thumping at the hands of the visiting Seattle Seahawks, the Kansas City Chiefs settled their backup quarterback situation, but little else Friday night

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Starting quarterback Matt Cassel played deep into the third quarter before giving way to Brady Quinn following an eight-yard completion to Dwayne Bowe on third-and-short. Quinn, who was signed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract March 18, played the rest of the game, completing 5 of 10 attempts for 44 yards, as 2011 fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi remained on the bench, an indication of what the depth chart will be going forward.

Less than two years removed from an AFC West title, the Chiefs are viewed by many analysts and outlets as a team that could surprise this season. They had a 7-9 finish in 2011 despite losing Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Pro Bowl-caliber safety Eric Berry to season-ending injuries, each of whom is healthy entering 2012.

Adam Teicher of The Kansas City Star reported that Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel wasn't pleased with how the team's starters fared Friday night.

It's hard to know what displeased Crennel more. A first-team defense that allowed Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson to lead six scoring drives to start the game and did not force a single punt or turnover, or an offense that had 11 net yards of offense and punted four times to start the game, then got even worse as the night progressed.

Kansas City's offense opened the second half with Cassel fumbling inside the red zone, a result of the veteran quarterback not being aware of an undrafted rookie bearing down on him. On the following series, an ill-advised Cassel throw went the other way for a touchdown. The next drive ended with two Quinn incompletions, leading to a punt that was returned 92 yards for a touchdown.

"They (the Seahawks) punched us in the face, and we didn’t respond well," Chiefs wide receiver Steve Breaston said after the game. "Everybody is big on the third preseason game. It’s a step back as a team."

Follow Brian McIntyre on Twitter @brian_mcintyre.