Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs established a reputation as a team with a limited, albeit clutch offense. It was far from the high-flying unit many had grown to love. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes‘ magic ultimately ran out in Super Bowl LIX, leading to plenty of criticism this offseason.
Despite that, the consensus still seems to be that Mahomes is the best in the business. In a story for ESPN, Jeremy Fowler released the results of his annual quarterback survey. League executives, coaches and scouts alike voted on the top 10 signal-callers in the sport, with Mahomes occupying the top spot once again.
The case is far from perfect, though.
Mahomes’ Hold on Top Spot ‘Loosening Slightly,’ Although Full Picture Is Critical
Even after a pair of down seasons from a statistical standpoint, Mahomes remains the premier field general. His rank didn’t change year-over-year, but Fowler did drop a not-so-subtle warning that another off year could lead to a change.
“Mahomes’ grip on the top spot is loosening slightly,” Fowler wrote. “After dominating the voting with back-to-back No. 1 rankings in convincing fashion, Mahomes garnered around 60% of the first-place votes this year, which is still impressive but well short of last year, when he received all but one first-place vote. He has finished eighth in QBR the past two years; from 2018 through 2022, he finished first or second four times. Rarely does Mahomes look as frazzled as he did vs. Philadelphia in Super Bowl LIX.”
Indeed, it was a weird year for the Chiefs’ two-time MVP. In 16 regular-season games, he managed to throw for just 3,928 yards with 26 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Not only that, but he ranked 11th in EPA/play from Weeks 1-17 according to rbsdm.com. It was undoubtedly still a very solid year, yet not a great or elite one.
One opposing coordinator, fairly, adds that critical context must be considered.
“OL in decline, particularly at tackle, WR group completely cleaned out by injury, [Travis] Kelce not near the same player,” the coordinator said. “I thought he had more command of time/score/situation and better fundamentals from within the pocket than ever. He’s a one-man army. And no NFL coach wants to deal with him. Complete dawg. No one like him. Maybe [Joe] Burrow, but Burrow isn’t as dangerous as a player.”
Mahomes Expected to Bounce Back for Chiefs in 2025
The coordinator makes some fantastic points. Mahomes has shown that he can achieve league-leading success in the post-Tyreek Hill era. He needs a stable offensive tackle situation and a viable target or two, though.
He had neither last season, as the left tackle spot was a complete and utter mess and injuries to both Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown didn’t give the offense – or its quarterback – a fair shot. That’s before mentioning running back Isiah Pacheco‘s injury that leaves plenty of questions even after his return.
An in-conference scout acknowledges that Mahomes may no longer be at the true height of his powers. He’s still excellent, however, and should rebound with better surroundings.
“An AFC scout noted Mahomes ‘probably doesn’t have that same fear factor’ from opponents that he had a few years ago but also expects him to bounce back in 2025, with a healthier receiving corps and a rebuilt offensive line,” Fowler wrote.
Even the most critical of those surveyed, an NFC exec who put Mahomes at the No. 4 spot, is anticipating a return to form.
“Other guys played great,” the executive said. “He took a little step back based off the last few seasons. I don’t expect it to last.”
Multiple things can be, and seem to be, true at once. First and foremost, Mahomes very well could lose his crown if he turns in another ho-hum season. With that said, there’s little reason to predict 2025 will be like 2023 or 2024.
