Kansas City, MO — In a strong showing during the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason finale on Friday night, quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the first-team offense through three scoring drives at Arrowhead Stadium, demonstrating sharp form as the team prepares for their regular season opener.
Mahomes completed 8 of 13 passes for 143 yards and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice. He also contributed an 18-yard run as the Chiefs built a 20-3 lead over the Chicago Bears before the Bears rallied to narrowly win 29-27. Mahomes’ performance reflects his best preseason yardage since 2022, underscoring his readiness for the upcoming season.
The Chiefs opened the game with a well-executed eight-play, 69-yard scoring drive that included a key 19-yard catch by veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster and a 12-yard reception by rookie Brashard Smith, setting up running back Isiah Pacheco’s 2-yard touchdown run. On Mahomes’ second series, he connected with Tyquan Thornton for a remarkable 58-yard reception, which ultimately led to a Harrison Butker field goal. Mahomes also orchestrated a touchdown drive that resulted in his scoring pass to Rashee Rice, showcasing his strong synergy with the young receiver.
Coach Andy Reid chose to pull Mahomes early in the second quarter in keeping with a strategy of protecting key starters, especially as the team looks ahead to its regular season kickoff against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 5. This game also serves as a final tune-up before the Chiefs resume defending their AFC Championship title.
Despite the preseason loss, Mahomes expressed enthusiasm about the progress made during training camp and preseason games. “I was super excited to get out there, especially at Arrowhead and get real reps,” Mahomes said. “This is a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to build as we get ready for the regular season.”
The Chiefs had earlier struggled in preseason matches against the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, facing challenges particularly in the trenches. However, the Saturday night performance provided promising signs of an offense that looks poised to start fast.
The team now faces a critical deadline to trim their roster from 90 players to the regular-season limit of 53 by Tuesday afternoon. The upcoming NFL regular season will test the Chiefs’ depth and Mahomes’ leadership through a grueling 17-game schedule, with significant matchups including a rematch of Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after their opener.
This final preseason game represents a balancing act between gaining valuable gameplay for starters and limiting injury risks. The Chiefs’ decision to field Mahomes for three drives highlighted their commitment to readiness, acknowledging the ongoing challenge of preparation in the modern NFL’s competitive landscape.