The Kansas City Chiefs dropped the season opener in Brazil in a frustrating fashion to Jim Harbaugh's Chargers. While an undefeated season is off the table, there is far too much trust in these players and Andy Reid's coaching staff to panic after one bad start. With this in mind, the focus should be on what Kansas City did well, and this includes Patrick Mahomes putting on a clinic in the second half of the game. The protection was shaky, and the league's best quarterback didn't have his primary target after drive one.
Xavier Worthy was ruled out with a right shoulder injury moments into the game. Travis Kelce and Worthy ran routes too close together, and a collision between the two players left the speedy receiver on the ground and with his right arm clearly hanging when he was able to get up and go to the KC sideline. Without Rice or Worthy, the Chiefs again leaned on Mahomes to will them into the game despite not having either primary option at receiver.
Chiefs Fans Can Enjoy the Greatness of Patrick Mahomes Even Amid Frustrating Loss
Mahomes finished the night 24-of-39 for 258 yards and a nice touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. Added in were 57 yards scrambling on only 6 attempts to go along with a rushing touchdown. The only reason the Chiefs were able to climb back into this game after a slow start was due to the quarterback's creativity after suffering an early setback.
Hollywood Brown would be Kansas City's leading receiver, having 10 catches on the night for 99 yards. Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton all had big moments as well. It was a collective effort from an underwhelming group of pass catchers who made timely plays and leaned on their quarterback to create in the game's biggest moments.
While the comeback attempt fell short, it is easy to put more blame on the defense than Mahomes and an offensive unit that appeared to figure things out in the second half. This started with a late field goal as time expired ahead of halftime that was set up by the quarterback, finally hitting a deep ball. There were two incredible throws in this game that only a handful of the league's starters are capable of making.
The first was to Tyquan Thornton to set up the field goal ahead of halftime on a beautiful sideline throw that was a drop in the bucket. Late in the fourth quarter, Mahomes would again hit a deep ball, scrambling to his right and evading the pressure long enough to throw a perfect dot to Hollywood Brown.
Much had been made about the Chiefs being unable to hit big plays and whether or not Mahomes was still capable of making deep throws. This game answered this silly question, as well as displaying just how much offensive pressure remains on the veteran quarterback.
No question, even after a frustrating loss, Mahomes deserves credit for his second-half performance and showing signs of what should be an incredible 2025 season. The Eagles now have the full attention of a frustrated unit that appeared to have things figured out offensively with Mahomes continuing to show why he is the league's best quarterback.