Patrick Mahomes throws two more TDs, continuing hot hand

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks every bit the part in his second start of the 2018 NFL season, as he tossed a pair of touchdown to put Kansas City up on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In just his second game in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes lit up the rival San Diego Chargers pass defense, taking full advantage of pass rusher Joey Bosa’s injury by tossing four touchdowns. Mahomes added a fifth on the season early in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers, coming up big against a tough opponent.

Mahomes needed just one pass attempt to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead over the Steelers just minutes into the first quarter of Week 2. He hooked up with wide receiver Chris Conley for a 15-yard score, as both he and the Chiefs defense got off to a great start against Pittsburgh.

He quickly followed that up by marching down the field with a long touchdown to tight end Travis Kelce to make it 14-0. Mahomes was a perfect 4-of-4 with 84 yards and those two scores after nailing Kelce with that 19-yard shot into the end zone. He also hit Sammy Watkins for a huge 40-yard gain, and his rapport with Watkins down the field will be a story to watch in Week 2 and beyond.

After averaging 9.5 yards per pass attempt with no interceptions against the Chargers in Week 1, Mahomes has given Chiefs fans all the hope in the world that they could win the AFC West this year. With Mahomes dealing, Tyreek Hill wheeling, and Conley possibly show-stealing after recording the second touchdown reception of his career, the Chiefs pass defense is absolutely in business.

Mahomes looked poised on this touchdown score, as he took a shot into the end zone on second-and-goal. Conley was open in single coverage, and Mahomes made it look easy. This depleted Steelers secondary is in for a long day against Mahomes, who isn’t afraid to take shots. More importantly, he looks like a seasoned veteran under center, so it’s not like those big plays have come at the expense of interceptions or head-scratching errors.

The Steelers offense, even without Le’Veon Bell, is stacked, so Ben Roethlisberger can give Mahomes and the Chiefs offense something to think about. But if players like Conley can stand out alongside Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Kelce, then the Joe Haden-less Steelers might not be able to stop the Chiefs from winning in a shootout.

The Chiefs are in great hands with Mahomes slinging the ball under center.