Sep 11, 2022

Mahomes throws for five touchdowns, Chiefs score big opening win at Arizona Sunday

Posted Sep 11, 2022 11:56 PM
Photo by Tommy Rezac.
Photo by Tommy Rezac.

By TOMMY REZAC

St. Joseph Post

Patrick Mahomes threw for 360 yards and five touchdowns while completing 30-of-39 passes, and the Kansas City Chiefs rolled to a 44-21 win at Arizona on Sunday afternoon in week one action.

The Chiefs (1-0) scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions and eventually led 23-7 at halftime.

Kansas City piled up 488 yards of total offense, compared to 282 by the Cardinals. The Chiefs also won time of possession 34:42 - 25:18.

Travis Kelce was Mahomes' top target, hauling in eight passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. That marks 30 times in the regular season that Kelce has had 100 or more yards receiving in a game.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire caught three passes for 32 yards and a pair of scores, while rushing seven times for 42 yards.

Juju Smith-Schuster caught six passes for 79 yards in his Chiefs debut. Rookie Isiah Pacheco also had a solid debut for Kansas City, toting the rock 12 times for 62 yards and his first NFL touchdown.

Arizona (0-1) scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, but the Chiefs defense held the Cardinals in check for much of the day. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray was 22-of-34 for 193 yards and two scores. He also rushed five times for 29 yards and was sacked twice.

Kansas City has a quick turnaround, as they come home to host AFC West rival Los Angeles on Thursday night at 7:15. The game will be carried on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

The Chargers beat the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday 24-19.

Injuries

Offensive lineman Trey Smith suffered an ankle injury, while corner Trent McDuffie strained his hamstring. Receiver Justin Watson hurt his chest, while Mahomes landed on his left wrist. Mahomes said he had the wrist looked at during the game, got X-rays and everything "looked good."