Patrick Mahomes Breaks Down Chiefs’ Preseason Finale and Young Offensive Line Growth
The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their preseason slate with a loss to the Chicago Bears on Friday night, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn’t too bothered by the scoreboard. For him, the night was less about the final numbers and more about what really matters this time of year—chemistry, trust, and progress.
Mahomes, who only played three drives, got exactly what he needed: live reps with his teammates, some good work in the pocket, and a chance to see how the young offensive line was shaping up before the regular season officially kicks off.
A Quarterback’s Perspective
When Mahomes met reporters after the game, his tone was clear—this was a step forward, even in a loss.
“I was super excited to get out there, especially at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and get real reps with these guys,” Mahomes explained. “I always talk about getting hit and stuff like that, but to get the feel for the pocket, the trust from those guys, and give guys chances to make plays downfield, it shows that all the hard work we put in at training camp is paying off.”
He made it clear that while preseason football doesn’t carry the same weight as the games coming up in September, these opportunities still matter. Every snap gives him more confidence in his blockers, especially when some of them are still trying to earn their stripes.
Mahomes’ On-Field Night
Mahomes finished his night completing eight of 13 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, while also adding an 18-yard scramble that reminded everyone he’s still plenty dangerous with his legs.
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His timing looked sharp.
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His rhythm with receivers was smooth.
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His comfort in the pocket? Noticeably improved compared to earlier camps.
Those aren’t things you usually highlight in preseason games, but when you’re eyeing another deep playoff run, the small details matter just as much as the flashy highlight reels.
The Spotlight on the Offensive Line
Perhaps the most interesting takeaway wasn’t Mahomes’ passing numbers, but the performance of the left side of the offensive line—rookie Kingsley Suamataia and Josh Simmons.
Mahomes didn’t hesitate to praise them, acknowledging the unique challenges they’ve faced since camp opened.
“Yeah, I thought they stepped up and did a lot of great things,” Mahomes said. “We challenged them all camp. We gave them the hardest challenge you can get—going against Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) in one-on-one situations. And they learned, they kept getting better, and that’s all you can ask.”
For young linemen, preseason action is essentially trial by fire. Mistakes will happen—Mahomes knows that—but it’s about the bounce-back, the resilience, and the hunger to keep learning.
“There’ll be mistakes every once in a while, that’s part of it, that’s part of playing in the NFL. But it’s how you respond,” Mahomes added. “I’m excited for these guys to be challenged and then go out there and show who they are.”
Why This Matters
If you’re a Chiefs fan, you already know how critical offensive line play is for this team. Go back just a couple of years—Kansas City learned the hard way in the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay what can happen when the line breaks down. Since then, General Manager Brett Veach has been aggressive about building a sturdy wall in front of his star quarterback.
But here’s where it gets interesting:
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The Chiefs are blending veterans with youth. Orlando Brown Jr. is gone, but new faces like Suamataia and Simmons are stepping into massive roles.
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Mahomes thrives on trust. If he feels protected, the playbook opens wide, giving Andy Reid’s offense more creativity and explosiveness.
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The run game benefits too. The line’s early push on Friday night showed they’re not just about pass protection—they can create lanes for Isiah Pacheco and the backs as well.
It’s not flashy work, but it’s championship-level important.
A Small Step, but a Right One
Mahomes called Friday’s outing a “little step,” but he stressed it was “a little step in the right direction.” And in football, stacking those little steps is how you get from August practice fields to January playoff victories.
The timing couldn’t be better either—the Chiefs now have two full weeks to prepare for the Chargers, a divisional rival with one of the league’s top defensive fronts. Facing Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack is no small assignment, especially for rookies, so these live reps came at the perfect time.
Big Picture Takeaways
If you’re wondering why Mahomes sounded so upbeat after a preseason loss, here’s the breakdown:
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Preseason isn’t about wins or losses. It’s about evaluating talent, ironing out mistakes, and finding rhythm.
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Mahomes got his tune-up. He connected with receivers, extended plays with his legs, and looked comfortable in the system.
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The O-line showed growth. Suamataia and Simmons may be young, but they looked more prepared than expected against Chicago’s defense.
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Chemistry is forming. Trust between quarterback and linemen is invisible on the stat sheet but priceless on Sundays.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs are chasing more than just another playoff berth—they’re eyeing back-to-back Super Bowl titles, something rarely achieved in the NFL. That kind of goal requires more than just Mahomes’ magic. It demands protection, patience, and progress from every spot on the roster.
And while Mahomes is the face of the franchise, he knows football is the ultimate team sport.
Friday night gave fans a glimpse of how the pieces are coming together. Sure, there are rough edges. Sure, rookies will make mistakes. But the foundation looks steady—and with two weeks before the games actually count, that’s exactly the news Chiefs Kingdom wanted to hear.
Final Thoughts
Mahomes walked off the field Friday night with more than just a decent stat line—he walked away with confidence. Confidence in his young linemen. Confidence in the work from training camp. And confidence that the Chiefs are on track for another big year.
And maybe that’s the most important thing of all. The scoreboard said “loss,” but if you ask Mahomes and the guys in that locker room, it felt like a win where it truly counts.
✅ Key Exciting Elements Highlighted:
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Mahomes’ 143 yards, a TD, and an 18-yard scramble.
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Praise for rookies Kingsley Suamataia and Josh Simmons.
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Offensive line progress against top defensive challenges.
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A “little step” toward being ready for the Chargers’ elite pass rush.
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