Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has been praised for calling the offensive plays in Kansas City, though he acknowledges those guidelines are merely suggestions to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
He threw a behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce during Saturday’s preseason loss to the visiting Detroit Lions.
Mahomes rolled to his right and began to get some pressure from Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal when he threw the pass behind his back to Kelce, who dragged it down the field. The completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 went for nine yards and a first down, and ultimately helped set up a field goal.
Rather than standing in amazement at what he had just witnessed or criticizing his quarterback’s risky improvisation, Reid seemed ready to turn the page.
“Where are we?” Reid, who had a microphone during the game, said to his assistant coaches on Saturday. “OK. Let’s go.”
Chiefs QB Patrick throws an underhand pass behind the back to tight end Travis Kelce
With K-defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo at his side, left, Andy Reid looks out at his team
Fans online were delighted with Reid’s trademark nonchalance.
“Back to the Cheescake (sic) Factory Meny playsheet (sic),” one fan joked, referring to the laminated card Reid holds during matches. “Never change Andy.”
“Teammates are going crazy,” added another.[Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt] nagy with a little grin and a grin. big red [Reid] – untouched and unaffected.’
Mahomes has experimented with behind-the-back throws in practice, but he’s never completed one in a game.
It didn’t take long for clips of the pass to go viral. Moments after Mahomes threw the pass, Kelce’s brother and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce tweeted, “That motherfucker did it!”
Mahomes is known for making bold throws during games. The two-time MVP has completed multiple no-look throws, along with numerous throws parallel to the ground while being sacked.
“That was unnecessary, but beautiful!” tweeted Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
The Chiefs play their final preseason exhibition game on Friday against the Chicago Bears, but it’s unlikely Mahomes will see much, if any, playing time.