KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 20-21 DETROIT LIONS: Patrick Mahomes put in a stellar performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 of the new NFL season but it wasn’t enough

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was made to regret his confident prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs would be fine without tight end Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs lost the opening game of this NFL season 20-21 as the Detroit Lions produced a brave and brilliant game.

The Chiefs decided to rest their tight end due to a hyperextended knee injury he sustained ahead of the game. In the lead-up to Thursday’s season opener against the Lions, the Chiefs had initially refused to rule out Kelce despite the severity of his injury. However, on game day, Kelce was officially downgraded to “OUT” for the matchup against the Lions.

Before kick-off, NBC asked Mahomes about the absence of his preferred tight end target, Kelce. The Chiefs QB responded, “We’ll be all right,” showcasing his confidence in the rest of his team’s potential.

Mahomes and Kelce are the cornerstones of the Kansas City offensive powerhouse. Their league-topping talents and leadership have propelled the team to two Super Bowl victories in four seasons. Mahomes has won two NFL MVP awards, while Kelce has consistently held the prestigious title of an All-Pro member since 2016.

But it eventually became clear Mahomes’ confidence was misplaced. Lions started the game well, with Amon-Ra St. Brown scoring a nine-yard touchdown pass from Lions QB Jared Goff.

The Chiefs hit back in the second quarter with two touchdowns of their own; Rashee Rice with a one-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes, and Black Bell with a four-yard touchdown from the QB’s pass put the Chief’s ahead 14-7.

The back and forth encounter continued when Brian Branch scored a 50-yard interception touchdown for the Lions. That levelled the encounter.

The Chiefs then scored two field goals, either side of the third quarter break, to take the lead 20-14. But the hosts were once again hit back when David Montgomery scored the Lions’ final touchdown of the game. 

The hosts had plenty of chances to win the game late on but lacked finesse in their attacking approach. Kadarius Toney, in particular, dropped three pivotal passes throughout the encounter.

His most crucial, though, came in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs down 20-21 and with 2.27 on the clock. Mahomes was left with his helmet in his hands. And at a time when Mahomes and Kelce would normally dominate their opponents, the QB was left wanting.

Two more throws from Mahomes could not be completed and Kelce’s absence never looked more glaringly obvious. The Lions, who battled so well throughout the encounter, secured the necessary downs they needed to see out the game and take an opening day win.