KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Patrick Mahomes has made significant improvements in his performance for the Kansas City Chiefs, who enter Sunday's matchup against the undefeated Las Vegas Raiders with a 3-0 record. After returning nine months following surgery to repair his torn ACL and LCL, Mahomes has shown quality progress with his footwork and play-action passing. His best trait this season has been throwing deep passes, completing eight of 14 attempts traveling at least 15 yards for 231 yards in the past two games.
"We'll have to continue to do that," Mahomes said. "Obviously, we want to run the football, but if defenses are going to come up and try to stop the run, we have to be able to hit it over the top."
The Chiefs have generated deep completions through play-action, showcasing the impact of running back Kenneth Walker III, who has produced 442 scrimmage yards. Mahomes has connected on deep throws with three different teammates: tight end Travis Kelce and receivers Tyquan Thornton and Rashee Rice.
Mahomes struggled with deep passes last season, completing only 42 of 101 attempts. The Chiefs' deep-passing attack faces a major test against the Raiders, who lead the league with nine takeaways. Mahomes will need protection from pass rushers Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye, who have combined for six sacks.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing