Did Mahomes Just Prove He's Ready for the Season in Chiefs' Pre-Season Finale?

As the NFL pre-season wraps up, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is gearing up for a revenge tour following last season's Super Bowl defeat. After a strong performance in the pre-season, Mahomes is determined to reclaim his title and lead his team back to glory. The off-season has seen various teams reshaping their rosters, with standout performances and contract disputes generating headlines as the new season approaches.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from NFL Pre-Season Week Three

Patrick Mahomes shows readiness for the season with an impressive performance.
Micah Parsons expresses frustration over contract issues with the Cowboys.
The New York Giants display strong quarterback depth, particularly with rookie Jaxson Dart.
Lamar Jackson's injury updates bring relief to the Ravens.
Matthew Stafford's back injury raises concerns for the Rams' season.

Patrick Mahomes: A Quarterback on a Mission

After the Kansas City Chiefs' disappointing Super Bowl loss, Patrick Mahomes has been relentless in his training, clearly taking the defeat to heart. In the third pre-season game against the Chicago Bears, Mahomes completed 143 passing yards and secured a touchdown, showcasing his playmaking ability with a spectacular 58-yard completion. Despite the Chiefs losing the match 29-27, Mahomes' performance was a promising indication of his readiness for the upcoming season.

Mahomes' Focus on Improvement

Mahomes expressed his excitement about getting real game reps at Arrowhead Stadium, stating, "I was super excited to get out there." His ability to lead the Chiefs' starters to 17 points in just over a quarter demonstrates his commitment to improving and dominating this season. Head coach Andy Reid seems satisfied with the offensive hunger, even with a pre-season record of 0-3.

Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons' Contract Frustration

In stark contrast to Mahomes, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys has had a tumultuous pre-season, marked by contract negotiations with owner Jerry Jones. Parsons, a standout defender, was recently seen lying on a treatment table during a game against the Atlanta Falcons, which has raised eyebrows regarding his commitment and future with the team. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer commented on Parsons' actions, stating he needs to understand the reasons behind them.

Ongoing Contract Disputes

The ongoing contract dispute between Parsons and Cowboys management adds to the drama surrounding the franchise, which has a long history of ups and downs. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact Parsons' performance and the overall morale of the team as they head into the regular season.

Rookie Quarterback Performances: New York Giants and Cleveland Browns

The New York Giants are generating buzz with their rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has shown promise in pre-season games. Dart's third touchdown pass came during an impressive victory over the New England Patriots, which has fans optimistic about his potential to replace veteran Russell Wilson sooner rather than later.

Giants' Strong Quarterback Depth

Fourth-string quarterback Tommy DeVito also threw three touchdown passes in the same game, showcasing the Giants' depth at the position. Head coach Brian Daboll has an exciting decision to make as Dart and DeVito continue to impress, signalling a bright future for the franchise.

Shedeur Sanders Faces Challenges

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns has had a challenging pre-season. After suffering five sacks, including a significant loss during a scramble, Sanders is currently positioned as the fourth choice quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett. However, general manager Andrew Berry remains optimistic about the depth at the quarterback position, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a problem.

Injury Updates: Ravens and Rams

Injury concerns are a common theme as teams prepare for the season. Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed relief after star quarterback Lamar Jackson's foot injury turned out to be less serious than initially feared. Positive X-ray results have allowed Jackson to focus on recovery as the Ravens look to build on their pre-season success, which included a decisive 30-3 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Matthew Stafford's Back Injury

Conversely, the Los Angeles Rams face uncertainty with their quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is grappling with an aggravated disk in his back. At 37, Stafford acknowledges that his condition is "day to day," creating doubts about his ability to last through the season. The Rams must prepare for potential scenarios that could impact their offensive strategy.

Team Results from Pre-Season Week Three

As the pre-season concluded, teams showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the results from week three:

Pittsburgh Steelers 19 - 10 Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots 10 - 42 New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles 19 - 17 New York Jets
Atlanta Falcons 13 - 31 Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings 13 - 23 Tennessee Titans
Chicago Bears 29 - 27 Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens 30 - 3 Washington Commanders
Indianapolis Colts 41 - 14 Cincinnati Bengals
Los Angeles Rams 17 - 19 Cleveland Browns
Houston Texans 26 - 7 Detroit Lions
Denver Broncos 28 - 19 New Orleans Saints
Seattle Seahawks 7 - 20 Green Bay Packers
Jacksonville Jaguars 6 - 14 Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills 23 - 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Los Angeles Chargers 23 - 30 San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders 10 - 20 Arizona Cardinals

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the NFL Teams?

As the regular season looms, teams are finalising their rosters and strategies. With pre-season performances in mind, coaches and management will have tough decisions to make regarding starting lineups and player roles. Mahomes’ quest for redemption, Parsons’ contract saga, and the emergence of rookie quarterbacks will be pivotal storylines to watch as the NFL season unfolds.

With the excitement building, fans are left wondering how these narratives will play out. Will Mahomes lead the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl? Can Parsons resolve his contract issues and focus on his game? And how will the rookie quarterbacks impact their respective teams? The NFL season promises to be thrilling as these questions unfold. #NFL2023 #PatrickMahomes #MicahParsons

FAQs

What were Patrick Mahomes' stats in the pre-season?

In the pre-season game against the Chicago Bears, Patrick Mahomes threw for 143 yards, secured one touchdown, and completed a noteworthy 58-yard pass.

What is the current status of Micah Parsons’ contract with the Cowboys?

Micah Parsons is currently in a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys, which has caused visible frustration. Negotiations are ongoing, and it remains uncertain how this will affect his future with the team.

How did the New York Giants' rookie quarterbacks perform in the pre-season?

The Giants' rookie quarterbacks, particularly Jaxson Dart and Tommy DeVito, have shown impressive performances, with Dart throwing three touchdown passes and DeVito matching the feat in a recent game against the Patriots.

What injury concerns are the Ravens and Rams facing?

The Baltimore Ravens have had positive news regarding Lamar Jackson's foot injury, while the Los Angeles Rams are dealing with concerns over Matthew Stafford’s aggravated back injury, which remains uncertain as the season approaches.

What are the pre-season records of the NFL teams mentioned?

The pre-season records for the mentioned teams include the Kansas City Chiefs at 0-3, Dallas Cowboys at 1-2, New York Giants at 3-0, and Baltimore Ravens at 3-0.