While the NFL preseason is crucial for some players trying to make a roster heading into the regular season, starters typically try to just shake off the rust and keep things simple to ensure they're ready for the long year ahead.
What Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes did on Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason against the Detroit Lions was anything but simple.
Mahomes, seeking a third straight Super Bowl with his Chiefs this season, showed more magic than we're used to seeing on the field when he took the ball at the Lions' 33-yard line on third-and-3 in the first quarter.
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Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs looks for an open receiver during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
As he immediately turned to his right, Mahomes saw his favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce, break through the defenders.
So instead of simply trying to throw the ball over defenders for a first down, Mahomes threw the ball behind his back in a slick move that sent the Arrowhead Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
PATRICK MAHOMES IS THE SIMPLE AND UNDENIABLE REASON WHY THE CHIEFS CAN WIN THREE TIMES AS MUCH
The NFL has seen too many of the tricks Mahomes can have up his sleeve, but this one almost seemed planned. After the game, Mahomes alluded to the other times he was seen practicing behind-the-back passes.
He also said Kelce wasn't running his route correctly, so he was forced to make that throw.
“I always told you it had to happen naturally,” Mahomes said, via the New York Post. “I knew I was on target. I was just low. But like I said, it wasn't like… I didn't do it to look good. I did it because I was mad (at Kelce), like I was wondering why I ran that route that way. And it just worked out.”
Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs looks for an open receiver during the Detroit Lions game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
The special efforts from Mahomes and Kelce, even if they weren't on the same page, were a highlight in a rather lackluster performance from Mahomes in his first preseason action. He completed 8 of 14 passing passes for 92 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. It was also Kelce's only reception of the day for eight yards.
The Lions eventually rallied when the depth players came in and won the preseason game 24-23.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also spoke about the launch and was asked if he wants to see something like that during the regular season.
Of course, he's relying on his All-Pro quarterback on offense, but with a throw like that, everything better go right.
Patrick Mahomes warms up for the Detroit Lions game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 17, 2024. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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“He does it every day in practice,” Reid said. “I have no problem with it as long as it's a complete pass.”
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