CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Patrick Mahomes is continuing to cultivate a strong connection with his tight end, although it’s not the usual candidate you might expect. Mahomes connected for two touchdown passes with Noah Gray for the second consecutive week, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a narrow 30-27 victory against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Following a defeat against Buffalo, the Chiefs, who are the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, improved their record to 10-1, keeping them in the lead in the AFC.
The game began with Mahomes completing a stunning 35-yard touchdown to Gray during the opening drive, and he found him again for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Gray has emerged as a significant asset for the Chiefs, especially in light of the loss of key wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was sidelined for the season due to a knee injury in Week 4. Remarkably, Gray has recorded four touchdown receptions over the last two games, which eclipses the total of nine-time Pro Bowl player Travis Kelce for the entire season thus far.
Despite the impressive performance by Gray, Kelce remained an influential player on Sunday, catching a team-best six passes for 62 yards. However, he displayed visible frustration after dropping a straightforward pass. This season, Kelce has amassed 62 receptions totaling 507 yards, while Gray has recorded 26 catches for 249 yards. Gray’s recent development in the offense signals promising growth for the Chiefs and indicates he is syncing well with Mahomes.
Describing his second touchdown, Gray mentioned that Mahomes had provided him with important pre-snap insights. “He told me what coverage it was pre-snap,” he stated, referencing the play that led to his score. Gray had four receptions for 66 yards and emphasized the collaborative effort that contributed to that touchdown, complimenting the offensive line and other receivers for their role in creating the opportunity.
Gray expressed genuine appreciation for Mahomes’ leadership and preparation, emphasizing the motivational aspect of playing alongside such a talented quarterback. “Having a leader like that, who prepares every single week, knows defenses, and understands the game plan, is something I value,” he added. “I’m just fortunate enough to play alongside a guy like that.”
Mahomes finished the game with 27 completions on 37 attempts, totaling 269 yards and three touchdowns. He was aware of what to execute on the play that resulted in Gray’s second touchdown. “It’s not just about me; it’s about the efforts of the quarterback coaches and the other players involved,” Mahomes explained. “We review specific checks against different coverages. I recognized their alignment suggested a cover-zero look and communicated the adjustments to my teammates.”