Patrick Mahomes thrilled fans and teammates alike during Saturday’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions with an impressive behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce, marking one of the standout moments of the Kansas City Chiefs’ game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes made an incredible behind the back toss to Travis Kelce during Saturday’s pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. #SundayTODAY https://t.co/79H8UnvV8m
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 18, 2024
Mahomes, who hinted earlier in the week about his desire to try such a pass during a game, delivered on that promise during his final drive before being substituted for backup quarterback Carson Wentz late in the first quarter. The play, which resulted in an 8-yard gain and a first down, wasn’t designed for Mahomes to throw behind his back, but as he explained after the game, it “happened naturally.”
“It has to happen naturally,” Mahomes said. “I can’t force it… It probably looked pretty cool, but I haven’t actually got to see it yet.”
Although the Chiefs ultimately fell to the Lions 24-23 on a last-second field goal, Mahomes’ daring play was the highlight of the game. Even his coach, Andy Reid, who has encouraged Mahomes to try a behind-the-back pass, was pleased with the outcome. Reid mentioned that as long as Mahomes completes the pass, he’s open to more trick plays like this one.
Mahomes has experimented with behind-the-back passes during practice, notably connecting with running back Isiah Pacheco at training camp. However, he emphasized that such throws will be rare and only used when absolutely necessary.
“If you look at that play, I’m not going to say it’s the only way you can make that throw,” Mahomes noted. “But it would’ve been hard for me to kind of turn and throw it back across or above the guy, the two guys, chasing me. We’ll see when we get on film, but it’s not something that I want to try to major in.”
Travis Kelce, who caught the unexpected pass, said on the Chiefs’ TV broadcast that he wasn’t initially expecting the ball but realized what was coming just in time. “I guess the right place at the right time,” he said.
Gotta love Patrick Mahomes adding a behind-the-back toss to his throwing arsenal. https://t.co/0OG7Q0gFsV
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) August 17, 2024
Despite the loss, Mahomes’ trick play provided a glimpse of his creativity and skill, leaving fans eager to see what other surprises he might have in store for the upcoming season.
Key Points:
- Patrick Mahomes executed a behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions, gaining 8 yards and a first down.
- The play wasn’t pre-planned for Mahomes to throw behind his back, but it worked out naturally, impressing fans and his coach, Andy Reid.
- Mahomes acknowledged that while the pass was effective, it’s not something he plans to do frequently and will only use it when necessary.
- Travis Kelce, initially surprised by the pass, recognized Mahomes’ intentions just in time to make the play successful.
- The Kansas City Chiefs lost the game to the Lions 24-23 on a walk-off field goal, but Mahomes’ trick play stole the spotlight.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News