The Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear this offseason after the departure of Pro Bowler Alex Smith that second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be the starter for the 2018 season.

However, he has notably struggled in training camp as he has thrown several interceptions that have drawn some questions if he's ready for the huge responsibility of being the starting quarterback. Head coach Andy Reid has come out with a strong stance stating that Mahomes' struggles in the preseason don't bother him, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.

Patrick Mahomes threw another interception at Chiefs practice Thursday, with safety Daniel Sorensen making the pick. That’s eight in seven training camp practices for the Mahomes. Coach Andy Reid said he wasn’t concerned about the number of interceptions. “I told you at the beginning of camp I don’t care about all that stuff,’’ Reid said. “I want him to test the offense . . . If you don’t have the intestinal fortitude to go test it you’re going to be one of those quarterbacks who checks it down every time. That’s not what it’s all about. The great thing about Pat is that he never makes the same mistake twice. It doesn’t happen . . . When he does make a mistake he comes back and he can talk to you about it. He’s done nothing but get better and better as we go and he’s got a load on him here.’’

Reid's support could be huge in helping Mahomes break through these struggles early in training camp as he adjusts to now leading the offense. This is a time that the Chiefs believe will test the Texas Tech product mentally to push through to find success on the field.

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At the same time, it is better that he works through these difficulties in training camp and the preseason before the start of the regular season, Kansas City has plenty of confidence in Mahomes' ability on the field that will translate to him leading them to the playoffs and possibly further next season and beyond.

The 22-year-old will have plenty of talent around him to help ease the process with running back Kareem Hunt, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. Ultimately, this is a step in the process for Mahomes in his maturation as a starting quarterback in the NFL.