Mahomes's First Pass: 35-Yard TD to Gray Gives Chiefs Early 7-0 Lead over Panthers

Nov 24, 2024, 06:07 PM

Patrick Mahomes connected with tight end Noah Gray on his first pass attempt of the game, a 35-yard touchdown less than 90 seconds into the Kansas City Chiefs' matchup against the Carolina Panthers, giving the Chiefs a 7-0 lead with 13:35 remaining in the first quarter. Gray was left wide open—no Carolina defender was within 15 yards—due to a miscommunication in the Panthers' secondary. The Chiefs' opening drive lasted only 85 seconds, featuring a 56-yard kickoff return before the touchdown pass. The touchdown marked the longest reception of Gray's career and Mahomes's first first-quarter touchdown pass of the season. Gray, who has an 89% reception rate this season—the second-best among qualified NFL tight ends—has now scored three touchdowns in the last five quarters, surpassing teammate Travis Kelce's total over the same span.