Brownlee made a heck of a touchdown catch, the highlight of the Chiefs’ 20-17 loss to the Cardinals in the preseason opener here in Arizona — and, ahem, most certainly the highlight of the 48 seconds Patrick Mahomes spent on the field. But there’s something far more telling about that play. The throw. Or, rather, the decision to throw it at all.

Patrick Mahomes starts his preseason strong with the Kansas City Chiefs, scoring a quick touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

The NFL preseason provides opportunities of all shapes and sizes, with game plans and intended playing time always etched lightly in pencil on a coach's prep sheet. Anything can happen to dictate whether those plans are followed during a game.