There is no debate that countless Kansas City Chiefs fans are more than excited for their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes II. After the Chiefs former general manager John Dorsey made one of the boldest moves in franchise history by drafting Mahomes in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, Chiefs Kingdom wanted nothing more than to see this young talent shine in his first game in the NFL. Although Alex Smith is still quarterback number one for Kansas City, after quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw his first touchdown as a Kansas City Chief it is exciting to look in the future and see what he is capable of.
Mahomes made his Kansas City debut at the 6:44 mark of the second quarter against the San Fransisco 49ers. The quarterback of the future’s very first play included a 41 yard bomb to teammate wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. It was a very impressive throw, and the play seemed to be nothing but perfect. Except, it was not perfect, because unfortunately, it did not count. A holding call sent the play back, and killed the vibe on the excellent downfield heave by Mahomes. Though on the bright side, it was a good looking connection between the two and Mahomes was able to show off his arm strength on this play. This drive later ended in a punt, sending the game into halftime.
Once halftime concluded, Mahomes still held the duties as quarterback. He drove the offense down the field, and got the team in position to kick a field goal, making the score 10-9 in favor of Kansas City. Although Mahomes and company were held to a field goal, what he did in the following possession was a milestone in his soon to be successful career, that Mahomes will never forget.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Recapping His First Touchdown Drive in the NFL
Mahomes Reaches a Milestone in His Career
Every player in the NFL has a moment they will never forget. Mahomes had a moment he will never forget in Friday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers when he threw his first NFL touchdown pass. Recapping this short drive, sounds like it was not all that impressive. For starters, the drive started on the 49ers seven yard line, after Kevin Pierre-Louis blocked a punt, which was recovered by rookie running back Kareem Hunt, who returned the ball to the seven yard line. So yes, it was a short drive for Mahomes and the offense, but it more than likely still meant the world to him. This drive did not happen on its own. Mahomes had to find the right receiver to throw to, while staying calm, cool, and collected to make it a touchdown drive.
1st and Goal
After Hunt scooped up the loose football bringing it to the 49ers seven yard line, Mahomes went to work. On the first play Mahomes was behind center, with a four wide set, and running back Charcandrick West behind him. Mahomes took the snap, and scrambled in the pocket until he spotted tight end Gavin Escobar in the end zone. Mahomes threw an arcing pass intended for Escobar a little too high, as it soared above his teammate, and fell incomplete.
2nd and Goal
On the next play, Mahomes again targeted Escobar on a quick slant into the end zone. The ball was thrown perfectly, as Escobar was in great position to make the catch, and score for Kansas City. However, in an effort to stop a Kansas City Chiefs touchdown from happening, 49ers rookie safety Chanceller James was called for a pass interference as he disrupted the pass. This penalty gave Kansas City a 1st and goal on the 49ers two yard line. All the break up did was give Kansas City a chance to make Mahomes first touchdown drive more anticipated.
1st and Goal, Again.
With the ball on the two yard line, Mahomes handed the ball off to West, hoping for him to punch it in for a touchdown. West took the handoff, put his head down, and gave it his all to score. The 49ers were able to stop him at the line of scrimmage, making it second and 2 short yards to go for a touchdown.
A Special Moment for Mahomes
Following West being stopped short of the goal line, Mahomes decided he would catch the 49ers off guard, and throw a pass in the end zone to avoid the beefy defensive front. The play started with a play-action to West who chip blocked the right edge, giving Mahomes freedom to roll right in the pocket. Mahomes did just that, and scoped the end zone hoping to find a target. After scrambling, Mahomes found his target, which sparked a moment he will never forget.
Mahomes connected with wide receiver Marcus Kemp, giving Mahomes his first touchdown pass in the NFL. This also resulted in Kemp’s first ever NFL touchdown. This was a type of throw Chiefs Kingdom better get used to. It was a risky, across his body, on the run throw, or in other words “a Mahomes-only type of throw”. Mahomes was known for this in college at Texas Tech, and he showed on this particular play why he is indeed a very talented quarterback of the future.
Tonight Was Just the Beginning
Although Alex Smith is still quarterback number one for Kansas City, it is exciting looking in the future to see what Patrick Mahomes is capable of. Friday evening was the perfect opportunity to watch Mahomes play. He played a little in the second quarter, and the whole third quarter. In all honesty, it was very refreshing to see him perform in a Chiefs uniform. After it was all said and done Friday night, Mahomes finished seven for nine on passing, with 49 yards passing yards.
Not only did Mahomes perform well as a quarterback,but first string quarterback Smith had a great game. He drove the first team offense down the field on the opening possession, for a touchdown. Despite losing, this was a very exciting game to watch for Chiefs Kingdom in many elements; especially for watching and learning what the future may hold for Kansas City. The future does indeed look bright, and Mahomes does indeed look exciting. So to wrap this up, from Chiefs Kingdom, to Mahomes we say: “Congratulations Patrick Mahomes, and good luck.”
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