What we learned from Chiefs’ preseason game vs. Lions (when Mahomes showed new trick)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes likely played his final preseason snaps in Saturday’s 24-23 home loss against the Detroit Lions.

He certainly made the most of them, though.

Mahomes wowed in the first quarter with a third-down, behind-the-back pass to Travis Kelce, connecting for a first down on a play rarely seen in NFL history.

Later, during the Chiefs’ in-game broadcast in a conversation with Trent Green, Mahomes said he did not plan that type of pass.

“Long story short, Travis didn’t run the route he was supposed to run, and then it was kind of a behind-the-back pass because I was mad — I was (ticked) off at Travis,” Mahomes said on the NBC broadcast. “He was supposed to run a flat route. I don’t know if you can hear me on the broadcast. I’m yelling at him, and then he doesn’t run it. So out of spite, I threw it behind-the-back pass. But now it’s going to be a highlight.”

The less flashy stuff from Mahomes was pretty good, too.

During his two first-quarter drives, he established strong connections with receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. Worthy had a 39-yard reception down the sideline, while Rice had four catches for 35 yards, with two going for first downs.

Worthy also added a 22-yard touchdown catch late in the first quarter while playing with backup QB Carson Wentz.

Though Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had said the starters could play as long as a half, his history suggested that likely was a stretch. Reid ended up pulling out his offensive starters following two long first-quarter possessions that each resulted in Harrison Butker field goals.

Mahomes finished 8-for-14 for 93 yards.

Here are some other storylines from the game:

Carson Steele impresses again

Chiefs rookie running back/fullback Carson Steele had his second consecutive strong preseason outing, showing off his elusiveness and pass blocking while in with Mahomes on the second drive.

Steele, an undrafted rookie out of UCLA, stood strong twice with blocks on third downs to protect Mahomes in pass situations. He also added a 36-yard kickoff return and appears likely to make the Chiefs’ initial 53-man roster.

Kingsley Suamataia stands strong

Chiefs left tackle Kingsley Suamataia, from first glance, was solid once again after appearing to secure the team’s starting left tackle spot.

Suamataia was solid in pass protection while keeping Mahomes clean early in the game. The second-round pick was whistled for a false start, but all in all, he appears to be playing about as well as the Chiefs could’ve hoped entering the regular season.