The first-team offense of the Kansas City Chiefs rebounded in its last preseason contest against the Minnesota Vikings — finishing two dominant drives with touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs started on offense and immediately looked in control. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams sidelined with injuries, Jerick McKinnon got the start at running back and had three positive carries for 16 yards on the first drive. The running game opened up big plays for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce with a sidearm pass for a gain of 28 before connecting with Tyreek Hill on a beautiful throw and catch down the sideline for a 35-yard touchdown.
The Vikings quickly followed suit with a methodical drive down the field into Chiefs territory. The team leaned heavily on its power running game and short passes to its tight ends. With Chris Jones sidelined, the Kansas City defensive line seemed to struggle filling running lanes early in the game — but the defense buckled down in the red zone. Willie Gay Jr. flashed his playmaking ability on a big hit that caused a pass incompletion. L’Jarius Sneed followed his lead on the next play, breaking up a short pass over the middle to make the Vikings settle for a field goal.
The Chiefs picked up where they left off on their second possession — but this time with a healthy dose of Darwin Thompson at running back. Thompson took two carries for eight yards on the drive, but he also made an impressive play on a screen pass where he shook a defender in the backfield and jetted up the field for a gain of eight yards and a first down. Once again, the running game allowed the Chiefs to establish a balanced attack. Demarcus Robinson had a couple of nice catches over the middle of the field. Mecole Hardman took a reverse for eight yards. Mahomes connected with Kelce on an RPO over the middle of the field for a first down. In the red zone, Mahomes rolled right and threw across his body to Blake Bell to cap another drive with a touchdown. He ended two drives — and his night — 8/9 for 117 yards and two touchdowns.