On August 9, during Kansas City’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Patrick Mahomes saw very limited action, continuing a pattern from previous years. Despite head coach Andy Reid’s assurances that Mahomes would take snaps in the first quarter, the star quarterback was pulled after a single short pass, a one-yard touchdown, and just 48 seconds on the field. This brief outing left Mahomes visibly frustrated, highlighting ongoing concerns over insufficient playing time during the preseason.
Mahomes described the experience as
a little bit of a bummer.
— Patrick Mahomes, quarterback. His disappointment resonated with fans and commentators who expect to see more from the team’s leader in these early games. For Mahomes, preseason snaps are not about statistics but about shedding rust and regaining his competitive edge.
Importance of In-Game Action for Mahomes
Mahomes believes that feeling physical contact, even if light, and experiencing real game pressure are necessary steps in preparing mentally and physically for the regular season. He emphasized,
You want to kind of get hit, not hit hard… Just enough to feel like you’re in real football again,
— Patrick Mahomes, quarterback. This hands-on approach fuels his desire to push beyond limited preseason minutes and maintain peak readiness.
Though Reid’s cautious approach makes sense—preserving the team’s health while securing early points—the quarterback finds the current strategy limiting. With the disappointment of the recent Super Bowl LIX loss still fresh, Mahomes is motivated to elevate his performance and return stronger.
Leadership and Family Support on Display
Despite the restricted time on the field, Mahomes stayed deeply involved from the sidelines, actively engaging with teammates and coaching staff. He frequently joined offensive huddles, shared insights with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and showed leadership by quickly supporting injured safety Deon Bush. His influence extended beyond statistical contributions.
The support around Mahomes comes from more than just the Chiefs Kingdom. His brother Jackson energized followers with a bold “GO TIMEEE” message on social media right before kickoff, maintaining his role as one of Patrick’s loudest advocates. Their mother, Randi, highlighted the personal side of Mahomes’ journey by sharing a touching photo of him holding his son Bronze, expressing pride and hope. These moments revealed that Mahomes draws motivation deeply rooted in family connections.
Commitment to Increasing Role in Upcoming Games
Looking ahead to the next preseason match against the Seattle Seahawks on August 15, Mahomes expressed a clear intent to play a larger role. He stated,
I’m sure I’ll get a couple more snaps as the preseason goes on… hopefully a couple more drives,
— Patrick Mahomes, quarterback. This statement reflects his unwillingness to remain a passive observer and signals a push for more meaningful playing time as preparation intensifies.
As the season begins with lofty expectations and high stakes, Mahomes is determined to compete for every snap. His drive may even influence future Chiefs preseason strategies, balancing the need for caution with the quarterback’s desire for more competitive exposure. Fans trust that the team’s leader will find the right balance to lead the Chiefs back to championship contention.