Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is credited with calling offensive plays in Kansas City, although he accepts that these directives are mere suggestions to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Take his behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce in Saturday’s preseason loss to the visiting Detroit Lions.
Mahomes was rolling to his right and started to get some pressure from Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal when he zipped the pass behind his back to Kelce, who was dragging across the field. The completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for 9 yards and a first down, and eventually helped to set up a field goal.
Rather than marveling at what he’d just seen or criticizing his quarterback’s risky improvisation, Reid appeared ready to turn the page.
‘Where we at?’ Reid, who was mic’d up during the game, said to his assistant coaches on Saturday. ‘Ok. Let’s go.’
Chiefs QB Patrick throws a behind-the-back underhand pass to tight end Travis Kelce
With K defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo at his side, left, Andy Reid watches his team
Fans online celebrated Reid’s trademark nonchalance.
‘Right back to the Cheescake (sic) Factory Meny playsheet (sic),’ one fan joked, referring to the laminated card Reid holds during games. ‘Never change Andy.’
‘teammates going crazy,’ another added. ‘[Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt] nagy with a little smirk and grin. big red [Reid] – unfazed and unbothered.’
Mahomes has fooled around with behind-the-back throws in practice but has never completed one during 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: ‘The son of a gun actually did it!’
Mahomes has a reputation for making audacious throws over the course of games. The two-time MVP has completed several no-look throws, along with numerous throws while parallel to the ground as he was getting sacked.
‘That was unnecessary, but beautiful!’ tweeted Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
The Chiefs host the Chicago Bears in their preseason finale on Friday, although it’s unlikely that Mahomes will see much, if any, playing time.
