Patrick Mahomes Reacts as Chiefs Lose First Preseason Game

Patrick Mahomes played just one series for the Chiefs in their first preseason game against the Saints on Sunday. In the Chiefs’ 26-24 loss, Mahomes completed his only two throw attempts for 15 yards and broke away on a 5-yard run.

Because it was a preseason game, Mahomes was interviewed on television in the third quarter, which you would never see in a regular-season game. “It was good to get out there again,” Mahomes told sideline reporter Kimmi Chex, “and get in the swing of things.”

Early in the second quarter, the Saints led 17-0, but backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s 1-yard touchdown throw to Richie James put the Chiefs on the board. Mahomes then went to improve on another aspect of his game: instilling fear in his teammates. That was followed by a halftime speech.

“I was little pumped up at halftime there,” Mahomes said. “We had to bring the energy level up on the sideline. But I think the guys were responding well. I mean, obviously there’s mistakes but guys are learning from it, and I’m excited for these guys in the second half.”

Although it is merely a preseason game and does not matter in the standings, Mahomes’ competitive fire never dims. That brief talk with Mahomes seemed to help. Shane Buechele threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, one to Justyn Ross for 15 yards and another to Kekoa Crawford for 8 yards.