KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Two days after being released from the NFL’s concussion protocol, Patrick Mahomes guided the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl.
Mahomes led the Chiefs from an initial 9-0 draw to a 38-24 victory over Buffalo Bills on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs will try to win their second consecutive NFL championship, against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in two weeks at the Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida.
“I am the oldest guy who has seen a few defenders, and this guy seems to surprise me a little more with every game,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid of Mahomes. “I am proud of the way he handles it, above all. … He is about the team. He works hard and does it the right way. What is important for his career longevity and success for Kansas City Chiefs and, obviously, now for the Super Bowl. “
Mahomes, who was knocked out in the divisional round victory over the Cleveland Browns with symptoms of a concussion, was only released to play against the Bills on Friday. He also entered the game with a toe injury. He showed no effect from either, going 29 from 38 to 325 yards and three touchdowns.
“He remained optimistic. Whether it was his toe or his head … He worked his way through it,” said Reid.
The Chiefs, after the initial deficit, left with 21 consecutive points to take the leadership that would not give up. It was the fourth consecutive game in the postseason with a streak of at least 21 consecutive points, including the Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers last year.
This return was one of the most impressive. Bills had won eight consecutive games, including seven by at least 10 points.
But the Chiefs’ response included two of his longest plays of the season, one of which was a 71-yard pass from Mahomes to Tyreek Hill.
The Chiefs in the fourth period lost left tackle Eric Fisher due to an Achilles injury and nickelback L’Jarius Sneed, who entered the concussion protocol.