Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) hands off to running back Kenneth Walker (9) during training camp at Missouri Western State University
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
After leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-10 rout of the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, Patrick Mahomes had high praise for Kenneth Walker. The star running back made a memorable franchise debut, with Mahomes also making his return from a knee injury.
During his post-game conversation with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, Mahomes praised Walker and the offensive line for establishing the mindset Kansas City needed against Denver’s defense.
“It’s a mentality, and it's attitude, you know, he sets the tone,” Mahomes said of Walker. “We talked about it all week long that against this defense, you've got to set the tone, and that offensive line and those running backs did that. And then we were able to do enough passing the ball to go out there and get a big win.”
"He sets the tone."
Patrick Mahomes on Kenneth Walker III's debut with the Chiefs on MNF ⚡ pic.twitter.com/Mz8YKoM2rC
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2026
Walker’s physical running gave Kansas City another way to attack Denver. The Chiefs produced the balanced performance they wanted from their revamped offense.
Kansas City also caught Denver off guard with a creative red-zone touchdown. Mahomes lined up in an unusual three-point stance near the goal line before making a direct toss to Walker, who took the ball into the end zone.
Mahomes was asked about the formation after the game and credited head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck for finding the concept in football’s past.
“Yeah, we got that play from a long time ago, so Coach Reid goes to the archives with Coach Heck,” Mahomes said with a laugh. “We got an old school play and it worked out perfectly.”
The play added another memorable moment. Walker provided the downhill running Kansas City wanted, while Reid showed his willingness to use unconventional ideas when needed.