Patrick Mahomes stats vs. Buccaneers: Star QB helps Chiefs stay perfect with first interception-free game of season

Another week, another Chiefs win.

Kansas City’s dreams of a 17-0 season remained alive on Monday night, as it took down the Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime to improve to 8-0 this season. Patrick Mahomes, who had been leading the Chiefs to success despite uninspiring individual numbers through Week 8, put together potentially his best performance of the 2024 season so far despite rolling his ankle in the fourth quarter.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP dominated third downs and led scoring drives throughout the evening, including an impressive stampede down the field in overtime. Mahomes showed a clear chemistry with tight end Travis Kelce and the Chiefs’ most recent acquisition, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, while orchestrating his first turnover-free game of the season.

Here’s a closer look at Mahomes’ strong numbers and the quarterback’s highlights against Tampa Bay on “Monday Night Football.”

MORE CHIEFS-BUCCANEERS:
Hopkins ‘Remember the Titans’ celebration | Mahomes injury update | Hopkins trade pays off | Bowles defends OT decision

Patrick Mahomes stats vs. Buccaneers on ‘Monday Night Football’

• Completion percentage: 77.3% (34-of-44)
• Passing yards: 291
• Passing TDs: 3
• Interceptions: 0
• Passer rating: 116.8
• Carries: 2
• Rushing yards: 9
• Rushing TD: 0
• Rush yards/att: 4.5

Despite Kansas City not finding the end zone until the end of the second quarter, Mahomes’ three passing touchdowns were a season high. Monday’s matchup was also the first time this season he didn’t throw a single interception.

Entering “Monday Night Football,” Mahomes was tied for second in the NFL with his nine INTs, trailing only Geno Smith and Jordan Love. However, his turnover-free performance was key in Kansas City advancing to 8-0 with its win against Tampa Bay — as was his execution on third downs.

The Chiefs converted 12 of their 18 third-down opportunities against the Buccaneers, consistently extending their drives and coming through in clutch situations en route to the end zone. Per The Ringer, Mahomes totaled 11 completions for 126 yards on his third-down passes on Monday. 

Mahomes’ 291 passing yards were also heavily distributed between Kelce and Hopkins. The two veteran pass catchers looked as dominant as ever against Tampa Bay, with Kelce catching 14 passes for 100 yards and Hopkins using his eight receptions to total 86 yards and two touchdowns. 

Despite a moment of concern for a potential ankle injury, Mahomes came right back and led the Chiefs to another victory, continuing their recent dominance over the rest of the NFL.

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Patrick Mahomes highlights vs. Buccaneers

The star quarterback’s first big play of the evening came on a long throw to his new receiver, Hopkins, to set up a red-zone opportunity.

Soon after, Mahomes again found Hopkins for his first touchdown reception in a Chiefs uniform. 

The Buccaneers took the advantage from there, and it looked like Kansas City might finally lose its first game of the season. Instead, Mahomes did what he does best, leading two clutch touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. The first scoring pass went to running back Samaje Perine, and Mahomes appeared to injure his ankle during the play before returning for the next drive.

Then came Mahomes’ second touchdown pass to Hopkins, which gave Kansas City the lead.

The rushing score from Hunt won “Monday Night Football” for the Chiefs, but it was set up by a connection between Mahomes and Kelce. As the Chiefs head into Week 10 unbeaten, they appear to have a dangerous receiving duo in Kelce and Hopkins.