The Kansas City Chiefs were led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a 31-10 dominant victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Mahomes was under center nine months after tearing his ACL and LCL in his knee in what was an accelerated return. The injury can require 12 months to return, but Mahomes beat the clock and beat the AFC West champs in the opener. After his successful return, Pro Football Focus has ranked him No. 4 among quarterbacks in Week 2.
It was a mixed bag, though. He wasn’t sharp on a few throws, and they struggled to move the ball through the air. He was facing last year’s leader in sacks as a team, and there was rust present. Mahomes went 15-for-27 for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran one 15 yards for a score. His mobility and instincts looked great. Running back Kenneth Walker III was a huge factor in the game with 173 yards on the ground and two total TDs.
Mahomes received the fourth-highest rushing grade for a quarterback at 76.9 PFF. He was sacked twice in the game, but undrafted free-agent Kahlil Benson drew rave reviews filling in for starting left tackle Josh Simmons (back). Simmons was out of practice again Wednesday, and his status for Week 2 is unclear.
For Week 2, he’ll face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football Sept. 20.
