It’s time to declare Patrick Mahomes as the best quarterback in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to the Super Bowl and I don’t think we have ever seen anything quite like what Mahomes brings to the table at the quarterback position. I loved Deshaun Watson in that 2017 NFL Draft more than anybody else at the position. Watson might be better in reality. However, there is no denying how incredible Mahomes is. When you add in all the ingredients; Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, etc… It’s time to declare Patrick Mahomes the best quarterback in football.
I believe there are lessons to be learned in every NFL postseason. Can’t win a Super Bowl with a lousy tight end anymore. Travis Kelce or George Kittle is winning a ring this year. You better have a multitude of weapons now. San Francisco and Kansas City bring both of those to the table. I think we should also recognize that Patrick Mahomes defines what a franchise quarterback looks like.
Down 24-0 to the Texans in the Divisional round? No, problem, Mahomes got it. Down 10-0 to the Titans in the AFC Title game? No, problem, Mahomes got it. It doesn’t matter how far down you are with Patrick Mahomes. That guy gives you a chance to win regardless of the circumstances. Down 35-0? Don’t tell Patrick Mahomes the game is over. In reality, it’s not. It doesn’t matter how bad his defense is, Mahomes always gives you a shot.
Mahomes checks all the boxes. Coming out of college, I worried about two things with Mahomes. A: The Big 12 quarterback had not succeeded, to this point. Give him Andy Reid’s scheme and that’s not really a concern anymore. B: His footwork and decision making were question marks. Both things Andy Reid has cleaned up. Everything else was already there. The arm, mobility, accuracy, leadership, etc. That’s why this marriage between Reid and Mahomes has been so perfect.
Andy Reid realistically has never had an above average quarterback talent. Donavan McNabb was TERRIBLE. Alex Smith, AJ Feeley, Kevin Kobb, etc. Andy has done nothing except work wonders with terrible quarterbacks. We should have all known this would work. Patrick Mahomes had some flaw but Reid was able to fix them and take his strengths into something the NFL has never seen before.
Offenses have never looked like this before in the NFL. At least, in the passing attack. Mahomes can kill you at any level of the field. 60 yard bomb or 10 yard curl, it doesn’t matter. If nothing is there, he’s athletic enough to pick up a few yards with his legs. He’s the only human on the planet capable of making throws that were thought to be impossible. Patrick Mahomes is what a franchise quarterback looks like in the NFL. If you want to compete, you better have a complete roster or another alien that plays like Mahomes.
