Patrick Mahomes was a highlight machine last Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defeating Tom Brady in the form of 249 passing yards and three touchdowns to win 41-31, avenging his team’s devastating loss from Super Bowl 55 two seasons prior.
The incredible performance also helped Kansas City bounce back from an embarrassing loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.
It seemed like every throw Mahomes made was more spectacular than the last. As the night went on, the veteran QB hit an incredible milestone, reaching 20,000 career passing yards in just 67 career games, the fewest in NFL history to reach that milestone – breaking an NFL record last set by Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (71) in 2013.
After leading Kansas City (3-1) over the Bucs, Mahomes was voted as the league’s offensive player of the week. It’s the second time he has won the award this season, adding to the QB’s case for winning the league’s MVP award at the end of the season.
Watching Mahomes continue to rewrite the history books is hardly surprising at this point. Games like the one he had last Sunday are why he’s arguably the most exciting player in the NFL right now. His ability to extend a play, throw the ball from different arm angles, and Houdini his way out of a broken play is evidence of that.
Mahomes made a ton of plays last week, but the one the NFL world can’t get enough of is the touchdown he scored in the second quarter. Upon snapping the ball from the two-yard line, Mahomes is instantly being chased by defensive end Patrick O-Conner. After avoiding O’Conner’s diving tackle for the sack, Mahomes makes his way back towards the line of scrimmage and is met by a charging Deven White. As Tampa Bay’s star linebacker attempts to wrap up, Mahomes spins out of the arm tackle before flicking a basketball-style pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the score.
“The NFL hasn’t seen anything like [Patrick] Mahomes – I promise you that,” said tight end Travis Kelce after the game. “You saw it today – he’s the Houdini of our era. The guy just finds ways to make plays throughout the game – big-time third down, big-time goal line plays [and] just willing our team to the end zone – willing our team to win. That’s our ultimate leader, man.”
Mahomes and the Chiefs offense will look to keep the big plays coming this week when they face the Las Vegas Raiders to cap off the slate of games for Week 6 on Monday Night Football (October 10).
Through four games this year, Mahomes has completed 66.4 percent of his throws for 1,106 passing, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions.
