— One more interesting Murray comment from his conversation with Dani Sureck when asked about how he and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had stressed the need for consistency.

“That is a word that is going to be big word not only for me but for this offense this season,” Murray said.

— Starting running back James Conner should see some snaps against the Chiefs but perhaps not even as many as Murray. Conner has had his practice reps dialed back “a little,” Gannon said, not because of Trey Benson or co-RB1 but because he’s James Conner.

“He’s a guy who I have to tell, ‘Hey man, you’re not going to get this many reps,’ because he’ll take them all,” Gannon said. “I have to tell him, ‘This is what you’re getting and here’s why.’ He typically gets on board with that.”

The reasoning is simple. Conner has “a little more tread on the tires,” he’s a running back (which takes a lot of punishment), the coaches want to see the younger backs, and Conner simply doesn’t need as much prep at this point in his career.

“You want to have them fresh Week 1,” Gannon added.

— Speaking of Benson, and the coaches have noted this too, his pass protection remains a work in progress — like many newcomers to the league — and will remain a key when it comes to how many snaps he’ll get to play. Something to watch Saturday.

— The things I personally will be watching against the Chiefs (I’m watching all, but these to start with):

• Darius Robinson on the defense line, as well as undrafted rookie DL Elijah Simmons (the veteran defensive linemen, I think I know what they bring.)
• Xavier Weaver in particular at wide receiver.
• What the second level of the cornerbacks look like — Kei’Trel Clark, Elijah Jones, Denzel Burke.
• The second unit offensive line.
• Rookie Kitan Crawford on special teams.
• High school buddies Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas, who could be battling for one roster spot.
• If Marvin Harrison Jr. actually gets a preseason target this year after playing just three snaps in the preseason last year.