Patrick Mahomes answered questions from the media on Monday, saying that he hopes to be efficient on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Despite a roster that boasts as many Pro Bowl players as any other in the National Football League, all eyes at Arrowhead Stadium will be on one new member of the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night. New quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he’s hoping to turn in an “efficient” performance when it’s his turn to shine.
Speaking to reporters from training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri on Monday, Mahomes says he’s not looking for touchdowns necessarily but a turnover-free performance that efficiently moves the chains. The sexy plays will come, but what is most important is making sure he can recognize defenses, call the right protections and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
"It is going to be exciting especially playing at Arrowhead. It is something that you can’t really dream of how much excitement will be in the stadium. I think with veterans in front of me that can kind of explain to me what you need to do, how you need to go in and just be yourself and be efficient. That has helped me a ton on just helping me make that transition into the NFL game."
Mahomes was the Chiefs first round pick in the recent 2017 NFL Draft, a quarterback from Texas Tech that required trading up from No. 27 in the first round to No. 10. He’s the Chiefs’ only first-round quarterback selection since 1983, which means the expectations are very high for Mahomes at this point—even though the team has been up front about Alex Smith remaining the starter for the present season.
Mahomes is currently No. 3 on the quarterback depth chart behind Smith and Tyler Bray.