A familiar No. 15 is showing flashes that are hard to ignore. If those signs continue, the Kansas City Chiefs may have reason to believe in their quarterback. 

Speaking on NFL on FOX on September 17, Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady praised Patrick Mahomes, saying the Chiefs quarterback is getting back to being himself and highlighting his leadership, discipline and tenacity.

“I think, in a lot of ways, he's back to [being] Patrick Mahomes,” Brady said. “What do I mean by that? His leadership, discipline, tenacity — all of those things were on display. He's going to pick up some steam...But never sleep on No. 15 for the Chiefs.” 

Mahomes returned to action after tearing his ACL in December and has been working his way back into his usual rhythm. His latest performance came in the Chiefs’ 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Monday night, as per the discussion on the NFL on Fox YouTube video.

The Kansas City quarterback completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also added a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

Brady also highlighted Mahomes’ willingness to take contact during the game.

“Patrick Mahomes, are you kidding me? He might be able to contribute something to this offense as well,” Brady said. “He wasn't avoiding any contact [on Monday night]; I'm sure of that.”

The Chiefs also received a major contribution from new running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker rushed for a career-high 173 yards at 7.5 yards per carry and scored a touchdown, including a 60-yard run that gave Kansas City a decisive advantage in the second half. 

With Walker providing a major boost in the run game, Mahomes’ return gives the Chiefs another key piece on offense, while the quarterback’s own words after the game offered a closer look at how he felt following his first outing back. 

Patrick Mahomes echoes Brady’s confidence

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Chiefs quarterback said he felt normal after his first game back and was already focused on preparing for the next one. 

“I feel normal, actually,” Mahomes said on a Kansas City Chiefs YouTube video. “I mean, it's like a blessing and curse. You get sore everywhere else, because you haven't played football in so long. And so the leg is like the least of my worries right now...be out there and playing.” 

He added that he would use the days before the next game to recover, including an ice bath, after coming through his return without feeling limited by the knee. 

Mahomes’ comments add another layer to Brady’s praise, with the quarterback now feeling comfortable after his return, and his performance gives the Chiefs another reason to build on their Week 1 win. 

Written by

Divyanshi Raj