Mahomes tosses touchdown, Chiefs fall in preseason opener

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KMIZ)

Forty-Eight seconds was all that was in store for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in his 2025 NFL preseason debut.

The three-time Super Bowl champion capitalized on his only series with a touchdown pass, but Kansas City (0-1) ultimately lost 20-17 against Arizona (1-0) to kick off the first of three preseason outings.

After recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff at Arizona's 26-yard line, Mahomes did not waste the opportunity to score. He needed just two plays to connect with wide receiver Jason Brownlee for a 1-yard touchdown to give his team a 7-0 advantage. The two-time NFL MVP's 13-yard scoring drive completed his performance, finishing the game with one pass for one touchdown.

From there, Mahomes and the Chiefs veterans supported their teammates from the sideline. Kansas City's new backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over on the team's second drive, leading the Chiefs down the field on his second possession. After punting on the previous drive, the NFL journeyman sprinted into the end zone for his first touchdown as a member of his fifth different franchise. Minshew recorded a 67% completion rate (6-for-9) with 54 passing yards and a 2-yard rushing touchdown in his Chiefs debut.

However, Kansas City's 14-3 lead in the second quarter was squandered by penalties. The Chiefs committed 11 penalties for 113 yards, aiding an Arizona comeback that was highlighted by a pair of second-quarter touchdown throws from quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Offensively, tight end Robert Tonyan was the team's most effective receiver, posting a team-best three catches for 49 yards.

Defensively, Kansas City forced three turnovers, including back-to-back takeaways on Arizona's first two drives. Chiefs cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace accounted for two of the three turnovers, pouncing on the loose football from the opening kick and intercepting quarterback Clayton Tune early in the third quarter. Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks also tallied a red zone interception on Arizona's second possession.

Up next - Kansas City returns to Missouri Western to wrap up its final three practices of training camp before traveling to Seattle for its second preseason showdown on Friday, Aug. 15 at 9 p.m.