As we approach the halfway mark of the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs stand undefeated at 6-0, having taken down formidable opponents like the Ravens, 49ers, and Bengals. While their defense has been nothing short of elite, making life difficult for some of the league’s top quarterbacks, questions linger about the state of their offense, particularly regarding quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Despite being widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL—an assessment grounded in his impressive track record—Mahomes has had a challenging start to the season. The Chiefs have yet to score 30 points in a game, facing only one defense ranked in the top 12 for expected points added per play, and Mahomes has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, currently sitting at six touchdowns and eight interceptions.
“Honestly, I don’t think what you’re seeing from us is normal,” Mahomes explained. “We haven’t had a lot of passing touchdowns, and I’ve contributed to that with turnovers. The focus should be on the versatility of our team and playing together, rather than just individual stats.”
At his peak, Mahomes is a dynamic playmaker, capable of dismantling defenses both from the pocket and on the run. However, this season, he seems to be adopting a more conservative approach. The former fearless quarterback now often resembles a more methodical version of Drew Brees, opting for shorter passes and relying heavily on the run game.
The Chiefs’ recent trade for veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins signals a recognition that their passing attack isn’t clicking as it should. Mahomes’s air yards average is the lowest in the league this season, and for the first time, he seems somewhat rattled by pressure. The dramatic drop in his big-time throws and the emergence of uncharacteristic mistakes are concerning.
“I need to be better for sure, but it’s not all on me,” said Mahomes, acknowledging the struggles without shifting all the blame onto his shoulders.
The first six games have highlighted a larger trend that began last season. The Chiefs have shifted to a more run-centric offense, with Mahomes expected to maintain a high level of play despite fewer offensive weapons. Last season’s Super Bowl victory was powered by a robust defense and a sporadic offense, but this year was meant to combine both strengths.
Offseason efforts to enhance the offense included drafting receiver Xavier Worthy and signing Hollywood Brown, aiming to inject some excitement into the passing game. However, injuries have severely hampered these plans. With Brown out for the season and Rice also sidelined, the Chiefs find themselves relying primarily on Travis Kelce, who remains the most reliable target.
As a result, Mahomes faces immense pressure to avoid mistakes. Historically, he has been known for his ball security, throwing just 12 interceptions in his first starting season and only 11 the following two years combined. However, last year marked a shift with a career-high 14 interceptions, exacerbated by the inexperience of his receiving corps. This season, he has already matched half that total in just seven games, with many turnovers occurring under minimal pressure.
Moving forward, adding Hopkins could provide a much-needed boost, though expectations should be tempered given his age and injury history. Mahomes must tighten his grip on the football while maintaining the high level of play needed to propel the Chiefs into the postseason.
Ultimately, Mahomes’s legacy is defined by playoff performance rather than regular-season stats. The current struggles reflect a period of adjustment rather than a sign of decline. With plenty of football left to play, fans can anticipate watching Mahomes navigate through this challenge yet again.
