DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a left-handed pass for a completion while he is hit by linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes started Monday night rather slowly, but he finished strongly highlighted by an improvised left-handed throw.
After putting up 13 touchdown passes without an interception in the first three games this season, Patrick Mahomes started Monday night’s game against the Denver Broncos slowly, going 7-for-15 for 65 yards in the first half as the Kansas City Chiefs trailed 13-10.
Mahomes was 15-for-29 for 151 yards after three quarters, and the Broncos extended their lead to 23-13 early in the fourth quarter. Then it became Mahomes time, as he led two touchdown drives in the final six and a half minutes to led the Chiefs to a 27-23 victory after Denver’s final drive fell short.
The Chiefs faced a third-and-5 from their own 45-yard line on what would be the game-winning drive, ultimately capped by a touchdown run from Kareem Hunt. But Mahomes was flushed to his left and chased closely by Von Miller, and the play looked to be derailed before he completed a pass to Tyreek Hill for a six-yard gain to keep the chains moving … with his left hand.
Related: Mahomes is right-handed.
It was impressive enough that Mahomes got rid of the ball the way he did to keep the crucial drive alive. But it was an incredible feat of athleticism and improvisation too.
In a pressure situation Mahomes had the presence to spot Hill, who to his credit seemed to extend his route all the way across the field to make himself available. But Mahomes also put the ball in his opposite hand so he could throw it unabated and avoid Miller trying to go for a strip.
In the fourth quarter, Mahomes went 13-for-16 for 153 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos sacked him just once all game, but they were credited with nine quarterback hits. Mahomes’ production out of the pocket was notable, and not necessarily surprising.
Mahomes has been everything the Chiefs hoped he would be through four games, and probably more. Monday night was an early defining moment, and Mahomes offered a memorable play on his way to defining it.