Patrick Mahomes sends the league a clear message early in Chiefs blowout win

The biggest storyline heading into the Kansas City Chiefs season opener was what version of Patrick Mahomes the franchise was going to get. Nine months removed from an ACL tear, it was impossible to believe the quarterback was going to utilize his legs at the same level he would have, had he been fully healthy all offseason.

Expectations going into the game were that Kenneth Walker was going to see lots of work and that KC intended to rely on the ground attack. Andy Reid basically said as much in the lead-up to the match. However, it was still Mahomes who set the tone early following a Mansoor Delane interception, by scampering into the end zone from 15 yards out and putting the Chiefs on the board first.

Chiefs receivers were struggling to find open space all night, and it was clear the passing game wasn't in rhythm. Still, Mahomes put his body on the line when the moment called and got the job done, as he has done so many times over his illustrious career. He moved well in the pocket and found ways to keep the chains moving.

Making this game all the more scary for the rest of the league is the fact that Mahomes had a very average statistical day by his lofty standards. The signal caller finished 15/27 with 184 passing yards, a pair of touchdowns, and a lone interception, while also adding 23 yards on the ground and another score. The Chiefs dominated this game 31-10 without Mahomes having to act as Superman, a rare sight these past couple of years.

Patrick Mahomes and his leg look just fine in first game back from ACL injury

While it was Mahomes sending the early message with his legs, this game was defined by Steve Spagnuolo's defense and an elite running game from Kenneth Walker. Not only did Mahomes prove he is at full health, the Chiefs showed they now have a roster capable of allowing Mahomes to take the cape off and play a very different brand of football than fans have grown accustomed to watching.

With this in mind, there is no doubt that the result was a positive one for KC's offense, in all but one area. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and the rest of the Chiefs' wide receiving core need to show that they are capable of having a consistent, positive impact on games against plus defenses. As the season goes on, let's hope this is the case.

There were some slight signs of rust on Mahomes' part, most notably the interception, but that is also what was exciting. The Chiefs provided just a glimpse of their full potential on Monday night. Any questions about the health of Mahomes are officially put to bed, with the quarterback setting the tone for a blowout win that announced the AFC West will once again go through Kansas City.

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