While the NFL preseason is crucial for players hoping to make rosters for the regular season, starters are typically focused on just knocking off the rust and keeping things simple to ensure they’re ready for the long year ahead.
When Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes faced the Detroit Lions on Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason, there was nothing easy he could do.
Mahomes, who is seeking his third consecutive Super Bowl win with the Chiefs this season, showed more of his familiar on-field magic when he took the snap at the Lions’ 33-yard line on third down and three in the first quarter.
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Chiefs guard Patrick Mahomes looks for an open receiver during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Ullitt/Getty Images)
Mahomes quickly rolled to his right and saw his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce, loose between defenders.
So rather than trying to flick the ball over a defender’s head and get a first down, Mahomes made a smart move and threw it behind his back, sending the Arrowhead Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
Patrick Mahomes is the simple, undeniable reason the Chiefs can win their third straight championship.
The NFL has seen Mahomes’ secret tricks up his sleeve many times, but this time it almost seemed planned. After the game, Mahomes mentioned other occasions when he was spotted practicing throws over his shoulder.
He also said he was forced to throw that pass because Kelce wasn’t running the route correctly.
“I always said it was just going to come naturally,” Mahomes told the New York Post. “I knew it was right on target. It was just low. But like I said, I didn’t do it to look cool. I did it because I was mad at (Kelce) and I was like, why did he run that route? And it worked out.”
Chiefs guard Patrick Mahomes looks for an open receiver during a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Ullitt/Getty Images)
That special effort from Mahomes and Kelce, even if they weren’t on the same page, was the highlight of Mahomes’ average performance in the preseason opener. Mahomes completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards but no touchdowns or interceptions. Kelce’s only catch of the day was for 8 yards.
The Lions battled back with their reserves brought in to win the preseason game 24-23.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also spoke about the pitch and was asked if he would like to see a pitch like that during the regular season.
Sure, he’s trusting an All-Pro quarterback on offense, but when he throws passes like this, things are going to go well.
Patrick Mahomes warms up ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 17, 2024. (David Ullitt/Getty Images)
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“He does it every day in practice,” Reid explained. “As long as it gets done, I’m fine with it.”
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