Mahomes' 32‑yard laser to Thornton fuels Chiefs’ win over Jaguars

When Patrick Mahomes launched a perfect 32‑yard strike to rookie wideout Tyquan Thornton in the fourth quarter, the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium roared louder than any other moment of the night.

The play came during the 2025 NFL Week 5 showdownKansas City, Missouri where the Kansas City Chiefs topped the Jacksonville Jaguars 31‑17. It was more than a flash‑in‑the‑pan moment; it highlighted why Mahomes remains the league’s premier play‑maker.

Game Overview

The Chiefs entered the contest with a 4‑0 record, while the Jaguars were desperate to break a three‑game skid. Early on, Mahomes methodically moved the ball, mixing short passes with deep bursts. By halftime, Kansas City led 14‑7, thanks to a 12‑yard touchdown reception by Travis Kelce and a hard‑running 7‑yard rush from the quarterback himself.

Jacksonville answered in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a 45‑yard drive that culminated in a 3‑yard rush by running back Travis Etienne. Yet the Chiefs never looked rattled. Mahomes, who finished with 318 passing yards and 60 rushing yards, kept the Jaguars on their heels.

Mahomes’ Deep Throw to Thornton

With 4:12 left in the fourth, the Chiefs faced a second‑and‑goal from the 24‑yard line. After a quick sideline route, Thornton found a soft spot in Jacksonville’s secondary. Mahomes, under pressure, cocked his arm and let loose a spiraling ball that cut through the night air like a missile.

“It was as if he dialed a ‘launch code’ and the ball just obeyed,” said a sideline reporter who witnessed the play. Thornton raced 32 yards before hauling it in at the 8‑yard line, setting up a three‑play drive that ended with Kelce’s 4‑yard touchdown catch. The completion boosted Mahomes’ season‑long deep‑ball average to 7.1 yards per attempt, well above the league average of 5.5.

Statistically, the throw was a high‑point: 18% of Mahomes’ targets that night were beyond 20 yards, and the Thornton connection accounted for the longest gain of the game. It also marked the second time this season Mahomes hit a receiver past the 30‑yard line on a third‑down play.

Other Highlights and Mahomes’ Mobility

Just minutes before the big pass, Mahomes showcased his trademark elusiveness. Pressed by Jaguars’ edge rusher Josh Allen, the quarterback slipped his hand to the turf, turned, and sprinted five yards for a first down. The scramble was replayed repeatedly on the Chiefs’ official highlights, described as “a masterclass in pocket awareness.”

That drive resulted in a 42‑yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, extending the lead to 24‑10. Combined, Mahomes’ passing and rushing totals accounted for 378 yards of total offense, a figure that ranks fourth in the franchise’s modern era.

Reactions from Coaches and Analysts

Head coach Andy Reid praised the quarterback’s composure: “Patrick’s ability to stay calm under pressure and find his guys is why we trust him in the clutch.” He also highlighted Thornton’s growth, noting the rookie’s “quick route running and strong hands.”

Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson was less forgiving. “We missed the tackle on that play, and that cost us a chance to get back in the game. We need to improve our coverage on the deep ball,” he said in the post‑game press conference.

ESPN analyst Steve Levy added that the play underscored a shifting trend: “Mahomes is no longer just a gun‑slinger; he’s a field general who can make his receivers look like they have a GPS on the field.”

What This Means for Kansas City’s Offense

The 32‑yard strike to Thornton isn’t an isolated flash—it’s a statement about the Chiefs’ evolving aerial attack. With Kelce aging and the team drafting new receivers each year, Mahomes has been diversifying his target pool. Thornton, who entered the league as a fourth‑round pick, has already logged 45 receptions for 598 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos in Week 6. If Mahomes can continue to stretch the field, defenses will have to respect both the veteran tight end and the budding deep‑down threat that Thornton provides. In the words of Reid, “We have the personnel to attack every level of the defense. It’s about mixing it up, and today we did just that.”

Key Takeaways

• Mahomes finished with 318 passing yards, 60 rushing yards, and a 32‑yard touchdown‑setting pass to Thornton.
• Chiefs defeated the Jaguars 31‑17, improving to 5‑0 on the season.
• Thornton’s 32‑yard gain was the longest play of the game and set up the final touchdown.
• Both coaches highlighted the need for tighter deep coverage by opponents.
• The victory solidifies Kansas City’s status as an early‑season powerhouse.