Patrick Mahomes plays well in Chiefs' victory Week 1

Of course, the Los Angeles Chargers did not have an elite scavenger, Joey Bosa, on Sunday. But they still have a very good defense with a deep and talented side.

And quarterback Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes beat them.

Mahomes made the NFL world aware Sunday by working on the Chargers. This is not his first career start – which took place last season in week 17 – but it was his release as a new full-time Chiefs starter. He made 15 of 27 passes for 256 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in an impressive 38-28 win.

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Mahomes resembled what he had done during the pre-season, seeming calm and controlling a dangerous attack from the leaders. We all knew that the ceiling for Mahomes was this season, in a very good offense of the chiefs. And he could reach that ceiling.

Patrick Mahomes plays as a veteran Sunday

Mahomes' physical abilities have been at the center of the conversation around him since his release from Texas Tech. And he showed them on Sunday. He made a forced throw at Tyreek Hill that Hill turned into a touchdown and, although Hill deserves the biggest credit for this great race, it took a very powerful arm. Mahomes also released one in the second half on Hill in third and thirteenth for a long finish.

What is more impressive is that Mahomes plays as a veteran. He knows where to go with the ball and does not make blatant mistakes. Andy Reid puts him in good positions – DeAnthony Thomas and Hill's quick pass, which allowed the Chargers to reach the line of refereeing, but none of that matters if Mahomes can not run. He can certainly do it. His touchdown to back Anthony Sherman on the left touchline was as enjoyable as an NFL throw, with perfect precision and touch.

The concern about the release of Mahomes University is that he was raw, having played in Texas Tech's Air Raid offensive system. The past year behind Alex Smith seems to have helped him a ton. Or maybe we just underestimated it from the beginning.

Chiefs, Mahomes make a big statement

Chiefs and Mahomes made a very serious statement on Sunday. Hill was absolutely dominant, starting with a long punt return for a touchdown and continuing from there. He received 169 yards and three touchdowns in total. The defense played better than expected without security Eric Berry. It was a big win in a largely open AFC West.

But the story is Mahomes. While it was clear what would happen with Smith since the Chiefs traded against the draft of Mahomes, it was still risky to move from Smith, who led the NFL in scoring and led the Chiefs around 2017.

Smith played very well in his debut at Washington Redskins on Sunday. But after a week, it seems that the Chiefs could have hit Mahomes.

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