Chiefs vs. Falcons: Patrick Mahomes finally gets the keys to the offense

The Kansas City Chiefs offense will have the first real chance to showcase their offensive prowess against the Atlanta Falcons.

The arm, the ability to make unexpected plays on the fly, the moxie, the ceiling—the Kansas City Chiefs have been dreaming of the offensive possibilities with Patrick Mahomes under center as the starting quarterback for more than a year. Ever since they first traded up for the Texas Tech product, these are the days they envisioned.

Mahomes entered the NFL with as high of an offensive ceiling as any QB prospect in his class but questions about his NFL readiness were put aside when the Chiefs came calling. For the last year, Mahomes was able to largely sit and learn from Alex Smith, Andy Reid and the surrounding coaches and teammates. Largely it was about working a plan—a very long term plan—to get Mahomes ready for this very moment.

The Chiefs first preseason game kept the first-team offense off the field for most of the game, garnering less than 10 reps for all parties involved. In last week’s loss to the Texans, the Chiefs were trying out players in various situations, using a game-time atmosphere to evaluate players and schemes instead of putting any real synergy or chemistry into the offensive unit. Now, however, Mahomes and company will get the time they’ve wanted on the field.

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Even in his one regular season start from last year, Mahomes largely played with second-teamers all around. He was protected by Jordan Devey rather than Mitch Morse. He threw to Demetrius Harris rather than Travis Kelce. He racked up serious yards for Albert Wilson rather than Tyreek Hill.

Andy Reid stated the first-team offense will have the entire first half to themselves against the Falcons. That should give Mahomes time to settle in with his many weapons outside of practice for the first time. Throw in the addition of Sammy Watkins to a group that was already the best offensive trio of skill players in the NFL and this could be a very exciting night for the Chiefs. Fans should know that Andy Reid won’t reveal his hand just yet, but it will help everyone to at least rev the engine a bit.

We’re not quite ready for the full unveiling of this dynamic offense, but tonight is the first good look at Mahomes and the first-team unit. Next week will feature even more and then the season will begin (because Week 4 is all about resting starters and evaluating final roster moves). Here’s hoping things begin to click early and often against the Falcons as a sign of a dynamic offense to come.

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