PITTSBURGH – Only two weeks into the season, it's clear why the Kansas City Chiefs put their team in the hands of Patrick Mahomes.
He tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes Sunday, and the Chiefs held off the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 42-37 victory that showcased why Kansas City traded away veteran Alex Smith in favor of the 2017 first-round draft pick with the big arm.
"He had a couple good plays, you know," coach Andy Reid said after Mahomes led Kansas City to its first victory in Pittsburgh in 32 years.
Maybe more than a couple.
Mahomes, who turns 23 on Monday, completed 23 of 28 passes for 326 yards. His 10 touchdown passes through two weeks are the most ever by a quarterback through two games in NFL history. Heady stuff for a player who spent almost all of last season on the bench.
"You never expect to have 10 touchdowns at this point in the season," Mahomes said. "But I knew with this offense and the weapons that we have and the scheme Coach Reid has drawn up that we had a chance to be really, really good, and the possibilities are endless."
Mahomes spread the ball to seven teammates, five of whom reached the end zone. Travis Kelce caught seven passes for 109 yards and two scores. Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Kareem Hunt and Demarcus Robinson also hauled in touchdown passes as the Chiefs (2-0) recovered in the second half after blowing an early 21-pont lead.
"I see Pat doing this all season long," Kelce said. "He's got the confidence."
