“We’ve got to start faster and be better.”: Patrick Mahomes Stresses Needed Improvements as Chiefs Stumble in Sao Paulo Opener

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs began their 2025/26 NFL season with a setback in South America. The match, played on Friday night in São Paulo, Brazil, ended in a 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, much to the disappointment of Chiefs fans around the world, and especially those who had traveled for the international opener.

Following the defeat, Mahomes stepped up to address what went wrong, admitting that Kansas City will need to regroup quickly if it wants to set the right tone for the rest of the season. The 29-year-old quarterback was frank about the team’s shortcomings, stressing that both offense, defense, and even special teams must improve.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board and be ready to go at practice, knowing that it’s going to take everything we’ve got,” Mahomes said. “We’ve got to start faster and be better on both sides of the ball and special teams.”

For Mahomes, the loss was less about talent and more about execution and energy. His comments communicated the need for the Chiefs to sharpen up from the opening whistle, something that has been an issue dating back to their Super Bowl defeat in February.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid also echoed his quarterback’s concerns. He shouldered responsibility for his team’s flat first half and pointed out that Kansas City’s lack of urgency early on left them playing catch-up for the rest of the game.

“I’ve got to make sure I get my team in a better state there coming out and playing with more emotion,” Reid said. “We were a little flat in that first half, and it cost us.”

The game itself highlighted both the Chiefs’ flashes of brilliance and the problems that cost them dearly. Kansas City trailed 13-6 at halftime, and while they rallied late, their inconsistencies on both ends of the field proved too costly.

Mahomes did what he could, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with an 11-yard score. He connected with Travis Kelce on a 37-yard touchdown in the second half, but mistakes, including a missed extra point from Harrison Butker and a failed two-point conversion attempt, kept the Chiefs chasing.

Meanwhile, Justin Herbert had a commanding night for the Chargers. He completed 27 of 37 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns, including strikes to Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen. His 19-yard run in the closing minutes helped Los Angeles drain the clock and seal their first win over Kansas City since 2021.

One of the early setbacks for Kansas City came when rookie Xavier Worthy left the game following a collision with Kelce, leaving Mahomes with one less weapon in the passing game. Still, the Chiefs had their moments, like Butker’s booming 59-yard field goal to close the first half, but consistency just wasn’t there.

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What’s next for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

For a franchise that is used to setting the standard in the AFC, the message from both Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid is clear: urgency is required, and adjustments must come fast.

The Chiefs will now head back to Arrowhead Stadium for their Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 14, a big chance to bounce back in front of their home fans.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did Patrick Mahomes perform in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers?

Mahomes threw for 258 yards and one touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with an 11-yard score. Despite his efforts, mistakes on conversions and missed opportunities limited Kansas City’s comeback chances.

2. Who stood out for the Chargers in the victory against the Kansas City Chiefs?

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert shone with 318 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also made a crucial 19-yard run late in the game that helped secure the win.

3. What did Patrick Mahomes say after the loss to the Chargers?

Mahomes admitted that the Chiefs need to “go back to the drawing board,” stressing the importance of starting faster and being better on offense, defense, and special teams.

4. Why was the Chiefs-Chargers game played in Brazil?

The matchup in São Paulo was part of the NFL’s International Series, an initiative to expand the league’s global reach. Brazil hosted its second-ever NFL game, giving fans in South America a rare chance to experience a regular-season clash live.