Mahomes, Watkins help Chiefs race past Jaguars

[September 09, 2019]  Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the NFL's reigning Most Valuable Player, passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns as the Chiefs toppled the host Jacksonville Jaguars 40-26 on a sultry Sunday afternoon.

Playing on a heavily wrapped left ankle he sprained in the first quarter, Mahomes drove Kansas City (1-0) to scores on each of its first seven possessions while going 25 of 33 with no interceptions.

His favorite target was Sammy Watkins, who snagged nine receptions for 198 yards and scored on all three of Mahomes' touchdown passes.

Watkins enabled Kansas City to overcome the loss of Tyreek Hill, who signed a three-year contract extension late last week but left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. The Chiefs' offensive line also helped Mahomes as it did not allow a sack.

LeSean McCoy, who was signed by Kansas City after his release from Buffalo, gained 81 yards on 10 attempts to pace the Chiefs rushers.

After acquiring Nick Foles in the offseason, Jacksonville (0-1) lost its new quarterback to a broken left clavicle in the first quarter. He will have surgery on Monday and there is no timetable for his return.

Washington State rookie Gardner Minshew entered and completed his first 13 attempts, finishing 22 of 25 for 275 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His first NFL touchdown pass came on a 15-yarder to Dede Westbrook with 7:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, and he added a 21-yard score to Chris Conley.

Leonard Fournette had 66 yards on 13 carries. The Jaguars, however, committed 10 penalties for 71 yards.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) leaves the tunnel in preparation for warmups before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs cashed in their five first-half possessions for touchdown strikes of 68 and 49 yards to Watkins, and three field goals by Harrison Butker for a 23-13 halftime lead.

Mahomes injured his left foot midway through the second quarter but returned while referees sorted out personal fouls on both teams. That skirmish led to the ejection of Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack.

After Foles exited, Minshew entered and completed each of his nine first-half pass attempts while engineering the Jags to two field goals.

Foles was injured after getting sandwiched by two Chiefs defenders on a 35-yard touchdown pass to DJ Chark. Chark caught four balls for a team-high 146 yards.

--Field Level Media

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