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via Imago
Credit: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-08-at-1.43.40-PM.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Credit: Imago
The defending champions Kansas City Chiefs faced a shocking defeat against the Detroit Lions in their season opener game. What made the defeat even more astonishing was the performance of Chiefs’ wide receiver, Kadarius Toney. WR Toney, usually a reliable target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, had a disappointing game.
He dropped not one, not two, but three crucial passes, which could have been a game-changing facet for the Chiefs. Despite this disappointing performance, Patrick Mahomes, known for his unwavering positivity and leadership, is showing remarkable optimism in his wide receiver. Mahomes’ faith in Toney remains unshaken, as he believes that their chemistry and connection will improve as the season progresses.
“I’m sure those drops will kind of disappear”, says Patrick Mahomes
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NFL journalist Dov Kleiman shared a video on his Twitter account highlighting one of Toney’s dropped passes. The clip featured the pivotal moment when Kadarius Toney dropped a pass. What made this drop more devastating was the subsequent turn of events, the ball bounced into the hands of the Lions’ rookie defensive back Brian Branch, who promptly raced 50 yards to score a touchdown.
Sharing the video, Kleiman wrote, “Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said he still ‘Trusts’ WR Kadarius Toney, despite dropping 3 passes. I trust that he’s going to be the guy who I go to in those crucial moments. … I’m sure those drops will kind of disappear.“
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said he still 'Trusts' WR Kadarius Toney, despite dropping 3 passes.
"I trust that he’s going to be the guy who I go to in those crucial moments. … I’m sure those drops will kind of disappear."pic.twitter.com/Mjlpm4orfChttps://t.co/Mdf2pQvp2p
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 8, 2023
Mahomes’ faith in his players showcases his prowess as a leader, and how moving forward the Chiefs will navigate through these roadblocks. However, the nail-biting turn of events in the Lions versus Chiefs game culminated in an edgy finish, with the Lions emerging victorious by a thin margin of 21-20.
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Lions upset Chiefs in the season opener
The first half saw the Lions making a statement with a fake punt call that led to a touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead. However, a fumble by Marvin Jones Jr. and a late-half surge by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs left the Lions trailing 14-7 at halftime. The Chiefs seemed to take control of the game early in the second half until Kadarius Toney’s unfortunate drop shifted the momentum, leveling the score and transforming a one-sided game into a competitive showdown.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jalen-Ramsey-1-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 24, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) stiff arms Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) while running back an. Interception in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
As the game progressed, the Lions’ defense held the Chiefs to field goals, keeping their hopes alive. A promising performance by Detroit’s offense, supported by an 8-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery, put the Lions ahead 21-20. In the end, critical plays from both teams happened, including a game-sealing run by Montgomery and a Chiefs’ desperation drive that ultimately fell short. However, this was just the beginning of the season, with time, the season’s gut-wrenching moments are all set to unfold.
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