What we learned (or learned again) from Patrick Mahomes in Week 8's win over Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs successfully moved to 7-0 on Sunday afternoon with a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a physical, chippy contest throughout the day. Kansas City's defense came through in tough situations, once again, gifting the Chiefs some necessary momentum. But from the jump, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' pass offense were in rhythm.

This was arguably a top two or top three performance by KC's passing attack so far this season. Mahomes did not make many mistakes against the Raiders defense. His interception was more of a credit to a Las Vegas defender tipping it, rather than a poor read or decision. And honestly, offensive penalties or mishaps by the Kansas City offensive line were truly the only thing slowing down Mahomes for much of the day.

Which items stood out the most by Patrick Mahomes on Sunday? Plus, why did the connection with a couple of veterans provide even more hope in what the Chiefs' pass offense could potentially become?

Mahomes Showed Increased Confidence Against Raiders

No one is going to say that Patrick Mahomes is completely panicked when the passing attack is grounded. However, there was simply much more confidence displayed by him on Sunday. That was evident from the first drive of the game. You have seen Mahomes be late with his releases and he can fail to see some open looks when opportunities have presented themselves this season. That is due to the Kansas City signal caller not trusting what he is seeing. Mahomes may also be affected by certain disguised pressures.

But against Las Vegas, Mahomes was playing more free and ripping it with little wasted time. His decisions were urgent, while still looking under control. Mahomes was precise with his timing. He was scrambling early when it was necessary, cnompared to just looking to escape the pocket too early. And best of all, Mahomes and the Chiefs' pass offense came through on third down. Those plays looked even more efficient than various money-down attempts throughout the early portion of the season.

Playmaker Patrick Breaks Raiders' Hearts

Let's expand on that last point a bit further. Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City were incredible and in control on third down and the red zone on Sunday. The third-down offense has not been as up and down as the red zone offense so far this season. Yet, the Chiefs made some third-down attempts look less choppy and hectic. Kansas City simply moved the ball past the sticks by attacking down the field much of the time. On the other hand, this offense has been settling for underneath throws and physicality to barely get past the sticks during much of the year.

Overall, Kansas City finished Sunday's game by converting 12 of 16 third-down attempts. Mahomes found various playmakers up the field to keep drives rolling. He also had one particular rushing attempt that got just enough yards on a third-and-long. Getting off the field on third down was one of the major differences in this contest. As for the Raiders' defense, they did not stand a chance in that area, given how flawless Mahomes and the Chiefs' pass offense attacked in that specific situation. In the end, KC also finished with three touchdowns in four red zone trips. Their lone field goal in that spot came when the lead was already in hand.

Connection With Top Veterans On Full Display

It was a tremendous day for Travis Kelce. That is likely not surprising to hear when the Chiefs had one of their best passing performances of the season. But in a year when production has been more mitigated for the star tight end, it was honestly a classic showing by Kelce. He led the offense in targets (12), receptions (10) and receiving yards (90). There were plenty of wide open looks for him down the field. In other moments, Kelce was able to make catches in traffic and frustrate the Raiders after the catch.

DeAndre Hopkins may not have lit up the stat sheet. Though, his couple of catches were exactly what you wanted to see if you are a Chiefs fan. Mahomes delivered some strikes past the sticks to where only he could grab it with his enormous catch radius. Hopkins even got some increased separation on a few other routes where the ball did not come his way.

Secondary weapons like Noah Gray and Justin Watson also continued to come through when Mahomes needed them. Each player had three catches on Sunday. Gray and Watson have proven to be sure-handed as trusted veterans upon whom Mahomes can lean. When Mahomes and these experienced weapons are in rhythm, the Chiefs can become nearly unstoppable.