Patrick Mahomes - two key plays vs Falcons

In this series we’ll choose two key plays from each game in 2024 that were made by Patrick Mahomes. This article will cover week 3 vs the Falcons.

3rd Quarter @ 1:21

Screenshot from NFL Pro

A touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster on 3rd & 7.

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Smith-Schuster is aligned in the slot and runs a crossing route against what looks like match coverage from the Falcons defense. Smith-Schuster virtually has a freeway to the end zone because the strong safety is watching him from about 5 yards out.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Mahomes has the perimeter receiver motion behind the slot receiver.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Screenshot from NFL Pro

The perimeter receiver draws the attention of the curl defender and takes him toward the middle of the field. This helps to clear the pathway even more for Smith-Schuster as the other defenders are occupied.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Mahomes gets the football out once he hits his back foot; putting it out in front of Smith-Schuster and leading him toward the white stripe while taking a shot from a pass rusher. Smith-Schuster has enough of an angle to dodge two defenders and dive forward for a touchdown.

2nd Quarter @ 8:51

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A touchdown pass to Rashee Rice on 3rd & 3.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Mahomes has Rice motion behind the slot receiver into a stack. This causes the curl defender to move toward the middle hashes.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Screenshot from NFL Pro

The pre snap motion creates a rub between the slot receiver and curl defender. Rice is running an out route and is making his break just as the rub is occurring. Mahomes is already getting the football out before Rice can turn back to his quarterback.

Screenshot from NFL Pro

Rice makes the grab and gets enough of an angle to reach the end zone for six points. Timing is everything on this play. The quick dropback to coincide with the shorter route. The football coming out before the receiver can turn back for it. The rub taking place just as the receiver makes his break to the outside.

Mahomes is demonstrating his pre snap capabilities on both of these plays. Recognizing defensive coverage and motioning his receivers to set up plays against those coverages.