At least for three series of one preseason game, the explosive offense indeed looked “back.”
With proper protection, Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense finally looked like that old, explosive Chiefs offense — the one that could light up the scoreboard early and instantly put games out of reach.
Early in the game, Kansas City featured rookie Brashard Smith, appearing to be a weapon Reid will find creative ways to implement, opening things up for the team’s seemingly limitless arsenal. Mahomes’ 58-yard completion to Tyquan Thornton felt like the breath of fresh air he has been seeking for a long time.
Tight end Travis Kelce confirmed to reporters that he came to training camp lighter, and on Friday night, he showed glimpses of that pre-2024 Kelce as he caught two passes for 32 yards. Running back Isiah Pacheco looked like his old self, running so violently down the left sideline that he crashed headfirst into a wall and garbage can.
Kansas City’s brass has believed for a long time that if Mahomes felt protected — and his playmakers were healthy — he would return to MVP form. On Friday night, the quarterback seemed like he was finally playing free. He was one Kareem Hunt drop away from finishing 3-for-3 on touchdown drives.
So, is the Chiefs’ offense back? It needs to carry over into the regular season — but in the final preseason game, it sure looked like it.