Patrick Mahomes Dazzles In Second Pre-Season Game

Former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to prove worthy of being a top-10 pick following a second strong showing in the NFL pre-season.

No rookie in the NFL is generating more buzz than Kansas City Chiefs rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes.  The former Texas Tech QB went 10-14 for 88 yards and two touchdowns while rushing three times for 29 more yards Saturday night as the Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 30-12 on the road.

That performance came a week after Mahomes went 7-9 for 49 yards and a touchdown in his first  pre-season game  against San Francisco.  These two impressive performances have people in Kansas City, Lubbock and around the country reevaluating their expectations for the 21-year old.

"“If you are the type of football fan who remembers preseason games, you will remember this as the night Mahomes showed every throw the NFL requires — plus a few extracurriculars.” writes Sam Mellinger of “The Kansas City Star”."

Social media and television highlight shows are in love with two plays from Saturday, both of which look incredibly familiar to Red Raider fans.

Late in the second quarter, Mahomes side-stepped pressure in the pocket and scrambled for a 16-yard gain. The play set up a touchdown pass and was proof that the athleticism which made Mahomes a magician at Texas Tech could translate to the next level.

In the third quarter, Mahomes once again used his legs to make a great play.  He eluded an un-blocked rusher on a naked bootleg and fired a perfect strike to tight end Gavin Escobar for a 23-yard gain.

This play was vintage Mahomes.  It allowed the world to see the amazing improvisational skills and unbelievable arm strength that convinced the Chiefs to trade up in April’s NFL Draft to select him.

"“He had like two or three plays he threw off his back foot and across the field,” tight end Travis Kelce said.. “Those are the plays you can’t teach. That’s just him being Mahomes.”"

While Mahomes does not have to worry about earning a roster spot or competing for the starting job (Kansas City is firmly committed to veteran QB Alex Smith as its starter), this pre-season remains huge for the rookie.  No “Air Raid” Texas Tech quarterback has started a game in the NFL and many questioned whether Mahomes would be able to transition from Kliff Kingsbury’s offense to an NFL scheme.

Next: 2017 Projection For RB Demarcus Felton

The early returns suggest Patrick Mahomes is fully capable of doing everything required of an NFL quarterback.  After two exhibition games, the question now being asked is when rather than if  Mahomes will make his mark for the Chiefs.