Matt Nagy: Patrick Mahomes looks “natural” in first practice
By Matt Conner
Matt Nagy says Patrick Mahomes looked the part as first string quarterback in his first practice since being named the Chiefs starter in Week 17.
While there was no reason to expect otherwise, it’s still nice to hear anyone and everyone saying positive things about this week’s quarterback shift in Kansas City. As the Chiefs prepare to start Patrick Mahomes in the name of giving Alex Smith a week off before the postseason, the stories out of Arrowhead Stadium are all positive as coaches and players are asked about Mahomes’ approach, readiness and confidence.
On Thursday, Matt Nagy spoke to reporters and was asked a slew of questions about Patrick Mahomes. No matter the angle, however, Nagy was always positive and encouraging about the Chiefs rookie quarterback. When asked about his first practice with the ones, Nagy said he was “natural.”
"More from Arrowhead AddictFormer Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las VegasChiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract newsChiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in GermanyPodcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battlesKC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching accelerator“He was natural. He has that about him. That hasn’t changed. He’s always had that. He knows now that for this week this is his team and he’s the leader out there.”"
Nagy credits his growing confidence as a pro quarterback having learned all season long from Smith and Nagy as well as Andy Reid and Tyler Bray in the film room. In fact, Nagy said that confidence is the area in which he’s grown the most, even without having taken reps all season.
"“His confidence has just gotten a lot better being out here on the scout team. You can see his presence of being in the huddle, being around the guys, taking a snap from under center, understanding timing of when the ball has to be out.”"
Chiefs fans are clearly excited to see Mahomes under center as well, and the buzz on social media was overwhelming after Reid’s announcement that Mahomes would start. Here’s hoping the positive reports are signs of good things to come when it matters most. A win always feels good and could have the Chiefs ecstatic about their present and the future.