The final preseason game usually isn’t the game fans look forward to. Patrick Mahomes and company gave everyone reason to talk.
Kansas City Chiefs fans were able to sleep well after the final warm-up before the first regular season game of 2017 against New England. Patrick Mahomes solidified himself as the definite future quarterback. Players on the bubble either burst onto the scene or fizzled away. Overall there was no better way to enter the season.
Mahomes got the first professional start of his career last night against the Tennessee Titans. Fans witnessed as he battled through some growing pains in the first half of the game. Although none of his mistakes ended up costing the team, the biggest takeaway is the fact that he didn’t let it bother him.
Consistently backed up due to a weak offensive line, penalties, and the lack of yardage gained by a running back we are likely never to hear of again, Mahomes kept battling. At times he showed us what he’s capable of.
Mahomes finished the night going 9-16 for 183 yards and a touchdown. He also added 13 yards on 3 rushes. Mahomes continued to wow us as he completed passes that haven’t been attempted in Kansas City for years. He connected on 46, 53, and 28 yard heaves—all while running left, running right, and in the face of a defender. Mahomes is indeed a phenom. It is extremely hard to believe he will not be utilized this season. His performance this offseason will have fans calling his name.
Demarcus Robinson
Demarcus Robinson had a great game. As one of those guys trying to make the squad, no one stood out more than Robinson. He finished the evening 3-137-1.
Robinson caught the 28 yard score with 18 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, capping off a gift of a possession and allowing Mahomes to show everyone his 2 minute offense. Which was a thing of beauty.
Kevin Pierre-Louis
In the time he was out there, Kevin Pierre-Louis made his presence known. The recently acquired linebacker was pumped up to say the least. His name seemed to be called every other play for a stint in the 2nd quarter. Before the game, he was close enough to the bubble that he needed a good showing. He did just that. His special teams play will be a huge deciding factor.
Jehu Chesson
The fourth round pick was a lock to be a Chief, however he may have skipped time on the practice squad with his punt return for a touchdown. Chesson has been a pleasant surprise so far. He seems to be a solid receiver with a knack for special teams. Dave Toub must be in heaven.
Quarterback play
All three Kansas City quarterbacks played great. Tyler Bray finished 6 of 8 with a touchdown. Joel Stave was 2 for 2 with a beautiful catch and run touchdown by Tevin Jones. Jones made a heck of a catch and then streaked down field for the long touchdown.
Difficult decisions
The one thing for sure about this game is that it didn’t make life any easier for Chiefs staff to make their cuts by deadline. There are sure to be some surprises on cut day, since there almost always is. It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs brass do.
The Chiefs finished 2-2, which is basically what you want as a fan in preseason. Play well enough to win a few and find out who will make this team click throughout the season.