Patrick Mahomes is not human. For those who have followed his seven-year NFL career, they’ve heard stories about his magical free-lancer passes that defy logic. On Saturday against the Detroit Lions, he threw a behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce that shook social media.
We’ve all seen highlights of Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing a behind-the-back pass in practice, but he’s never done it in a real game. Well, that all changed on Saturday as he flipped the ball on a busted play behind his back into the waiting arms of Tight End Travis Kelce.
It was an instant classic highlight that would be used the day Mahomes is enshrined in Canton. The fact that he did it in a game is not surprising, but as he told the media, he was upset that Kelce ran the wrong route. So, in an unscripted, not planned pass, Mahomes basically threw caution to the wind, and history was made.
The Chiefs lost their second straight exhibition game, this time on a last-second field goal, 24-23, despite playing pretty good football. The first-team offense worked extensively on getting the ball down the field.
Mahomes hit rookie Xavier Worthy on a terrific 39-yard pass that led to a field goal by Harrison Butker. Later in the first quarter, with Mahomes done for the day, backup Carson Wentz delivered a strike to Worthy for a 22-yard touchdown.
Worthy ran a terrific route, splitting the safety and corner, and he was all alone in the end zone. The play was perfectly designed to showcase his speed. However, a fundamental pass protection block by rookie running back Carson Steele on a Lions blitzing linebacker gave Wentz the time to complete the touchdown pass.
After that score, the game simply teetered back and forth, and all the back-ups got their shot to make a case for a roster spot. Of note, four-year wide receiver Cornell Powell had a huge touchdown catch. His 64-yard catch and run were delivered beautifully by backup Quarterback Chris Oladokun.
Even with the starters in the lineup, the Chiefs had difficulty stopping the Lions’ running game defensively. The second and third units weren’t much better. Though some notable plays were made by rookie Christian Rolland-Wallace, who led the team with nine tackles, and safety Jaden Hicks, starting for the injured Justin Reid, had six tackles.
Harrison Butker, who received a massive ovation when he kicked the first of three field goals on the afternoon, is already in regular-season mode.
The Chiefs have a short week ahead as they prepare for the Chicago Bears next Thursday in Kansas City. It will be the team’s final tune-up, and it’s doubtful any starters will play more than a series.
Game Notes:
Wide Receiver Nikko Remigio had an excellent kick-off return that he nearly brought back to the house a few snaps in the second half, but ut he was not in the rotation in the first half. Instead, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross were the next men up. I’m unsure what to make of his reduced snaps, but it’s worth noting.
Defensive Tackle Neil Farrell had another solid performance. The former Las Vegas Raiders defender continues to make the most of his opportunity with the Chiefs. He had a half sack and was generally a disrupter in run defense. If Derrick Nnadi isn’t healthy enough to start the season, Farrell and Mike Pennel, Jr. will make a nice rotation for the Spags.
Quarterback Carson Wentz made a terrific throw to Worthy, but he was off on several other passing attempts. Granted, his offensive line betrayed him, especially at right tackle, so judging his actual performance is hard. Either way, he remains a key piece to the offense if Mahomes has to miss any games.
