Patrick Mahomes had a quiet first start for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mahomes’ first appearance as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback lasted nine plays and netted 29 yards Thursday during a 17-10 loss to the Houston Texans in the preseason opener for both teams.

Now, the challenge for Mahomes, who finished 5 of 7 for 33 yards on his two drives, is to use the game to get ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 9 at the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mahomes, who took over the starting job when Alex Smith was traded to Washington during the offseason, was sacked once and didn’t throw a touchdown or interception in a solid, if unspectacular, performance.