The Kansas City Chiefs may have started the season with six straight wins, but the performances of quarterback Patrick Mahomes is already under scrutiny, as he bids to win a record third Superbowl in as many years.

Since being selected as the 10th pick in the 2017 NFL draft, the Texas Tech college graduate has won 3 Superbowls, 3 Superbowl MVPs and 2 regular season MVPs. Accolades that already solidify him as a future inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

So, entering his eighth season in the NFL, there are high expectations week in and week out. However, this season he has struggled, throwing eight interceptions in the opening six games and having a total quarterback rating of 61.4 – ninth in the NFL.

Data gathered from ESPN

Although Mahomes has only played six games, a total quarterback rating of 61.4 is well below the standard the 29 year old has shown the previous six seasons. Between his sophomore season and last season, Mahomes has had an average total quarterback rating of 74.5. Such a drop off in form has raised questions as to whether the Chiefs have a legitimate chance of lifting the Lombardi trophy for a third straight year.

Lack of wide receiver presence 

The drop in Mahomes’ performances  can be taken from injuries to the Chiefs wide receiver core. Following their Superbowl victory last year, Andy Reid’s side were aiming to start the season with Marques ‘Hollywood’ Brown, Rashee Rice and Juju Smith-Schuster but have since lost them all.

However, this week star receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been traded to the Chiefs to help alleviate their offensive struggles as Mahomes has an distinct lack of touchdown passes through his first six games.

Data gathered from profootballreference.com

At a career low of 3.2% the Texas born quarterback will be hoping Hopkins can help improve this figure as the Chiefs head towards the playoffs. Receiver issues aside, this damning figure could also be explained by how defences are setting up this year. The two high safety setup is causing quarterbacks to throw shorter, this defensive scheme is particularly effecting the two time regular season MVP.

Kansas City’s number 15 is averaging 7.4 yards per pass, a figure that is the second lowest of his career (lowest 2023). Although the figures are concerning, the Chiefs have won the Superbowl the past two years.

Declining statistics can make for damning reading ,especially that of a three time Superbowl MVP. Patrick Mahomes plays with a win at all costs attitude, never protecting his stats sheet and playing winning football.

Although he isn’t performing at his brilliant best, the Chiefs are still undefeated and as long as he is quarterback they are legitimate challengers for a third straight Superbowl.

 

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