Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes on ‘Hollywood’ Brown: ‘Get Back to Deep Game’
The Kansas City Chiefs are channeling their inner “Doc Brown, Marty McFly tandem” by taking a “Back to the Future” approach to their offense this season.
While the Chiefs and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes have placed greater emphasis on targeting the intermediate areas of the field since the departure of former deep threat pass catcher Tyreek Hill, Kansas City is expected to re-introduce the deep ball into their repertoire.
Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) calls a play from the line during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) calls a play from the line during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
As the Chiefs progress through OTAs, Mahomes made it clear that bringing some explosiveness back to their scoring attack is on the team’s priority list this year. The three-time MVP found newly-acquired receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown in the middle of the red zone on a deep pass during team drills in practice on Tuesday.
Needless to say, Mahomes was impressed by the veteran wideout’s playmaking ability downfield.
"I think y'all saw today, we tried to throw a few more deep passes," Mahomes said. "Get back to the deep game and stuff like that. We've done a great job of mastering the intermediate and short stuff, but we want to get back to having that part of the offense as well. Coach (Andy Reid) is really pushing us to push it down the field. It's hard to do against our defense, but we're trying to make it happen."
In addition to Brown, the Chiefs also selected speedster Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 overall selection in last month’s NFL Draft. Though he is generously listed at 5-11, the Fresno, Calif. native is capable of matching nearly anyone on a pro football field with his speed -- a distinction which he solidified with his record 40-yard finish of 4.21 at the NFL Scouting Combine. Once he has secured the pass, Worthy can be very dangerous with the ball in his hands. His quickness and shiftiness allow him the chance to get open vertically, thus remaining a threat to score on nearly any reception.
Meanwhile, Brown has the chance to be one of this season’s most productive free-agent acquisitions. In five seasons, with both the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, the 26-year-old has caught 313 passes for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdown receptions.