Patrick Mahomes is back: Kansas City Chiefs destroy the Denver Broncos with their new weapon
Patrick Mahomes’ comeback was a success, but the Chiefs’ new weapon proved he could be the missing piece in Kansas City’s offense.
Kenneth Walker III stole the spotlight in Patrick Mahomes ’ long-awaited return. The new Kansas City Chiefs running back rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns in his debut with the team, helping Kansas City get revenge against the Denver Broncos with a dominant 31-10 victory on Monday night.
While Mahomes’ surgically repaired left knee was the biggest storyline entering the season opener, Walker quickly became the offensive star of the night. The former Seahawks standout delivered the type of explosive performance Kansas City hoped for when it signed him in free agency.
Mahomes looked completely healthy despite the knee injury and the brace he wore, throwing for 184 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. His performance helped the Chiefs snap a three-game losing streak against Denver, the team that ended Kansas City’s nine-year run as AFC West champions.
Walker carried the ball 23 times, recording the most rushing yards by a Chiefs player since Jamaal Charles ran for 226 yards against the Colts in 2012 , one year before Andy Reid became Kansas City’s head coach. He also contributed in the passing game with three receptions for 18 yards.
Walker takes over as Chiefs offense overwhelms Denver
The Chiefs’ new weapon made an immediate impact, rushing for 89 yards on 14 carries in the first half while also making plays as a receiver out of the backfield.
Denver briefly answered after Bo Nix connected with Evan Engram for a 19-yard touchdown, tying the game. But Kansas City responded with an 80-yard drive that ended with Mahomes finding Rashee Rice , who powered through multiple Broncos defenders for a touchdown to give the Chiefs a 14-7 halftime lead.
Walker delivered the biggest play of the night early in the third quarter. Facing a fourth-and-1, he broke through the defense and turned the short-yardage play into a 60-yard touchdown run, sending Arrowhead into a frenzy.
The Chiefs and Broncos traded field goals later in the quarter, but Kansas City pulled away after Bo Nix lost a fumble, setting up another scoring opportunity.
Mahomes connected with rookie running back Emmett Johnson for a 26-yard gain to set up first-and-goal at the Denver 2-yard line. On a creative trick play, Mahomes lined up alongside backup quarterback Justin Fields, took the snap and flipped the ball to Walker, who scored untouched to put the game out of reach.
Broncos offense struggles in season opener
Denver’s offense struggled throughout the night in the first game with offensive coordinator Davis Webb calling plays.
Nix finished with just 131 passing yards , one interception and a lost fumble as the Broncos totaled only 176 yards of offense despite adding star receiver Jaylen Waddle during the offseason.
Waddle had just one catch for two yards, while Engram led Denver with four receptions for 43 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
Taylor Swift chooses Arrowhead over Emmys
Taylor Swift chose Arrowhead Stadium over the Emmy Awards to support husband Travis Kelce in the Chiefs’ season opener.
The pop superstar, who married Kelce on July 3 , watched the game from a suite alongside actor Tom Cruise . Swift had been nominated for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded) for “The Eras Tour: The Final Show,” but the award went earlier this month to “The Muppet Show.”
