Winning three Super Bowl titles and multiple MVPs doesn’t guarantee Patrick Mahomes any sympathy from head coach Andy Reid during training. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback claimed even he has to face the coach’s ire if something does not please him.
When Mahomes first entered the NFL, the league had a different view of the Chiefs’ passing system. The Chiefs preferred using the shorter route instead of throwing long passes to gain ground with a few throws.
The possession-based receivers made it easier to play according to that game plan. However, Mahomes’ inclusion into the team changed that. The Texas Tech graduate became a prime deep ball threat for the opposition.
During his first year as a starter, Patrick Mahomes threw more than 70 passes which were 20 yards or more completing a league-high 36 passes. Right away, teams switched their approach while facing the Chiefs and instantly the number of deep balls decreased.
Last season it reached a new low according to TruMedia. Mahomes’ passes averaged the third shortest in the league. From throwing around 9.1 yards on average in 2018, he finished the 2023 season with just 6.5 yards.
Running back Isaiah Pacheco had a breakout campaign compared to receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Sky Moore. So, it’s no surprise that Andy Reid wants his quarterback to throw the ball deep. When Mahomes fails to comply during training, he gets an earful from the coach.
If I don't, he throws little jabs at me like, 'Oh, you want to throw the check-down here?'--I'm like, 'I got you, Coach; we're going to push it.' It has been fun. Patrick Mahomes said after practice on Thursday per ESPN.com
The 6 time Pro Bowler added that he will push the ball more down the field in the new season.
Patrick Mahomes to switch things up in the new season
The 2024 offseason saw several departures from the Chiefs roster, including Valdes-Scantling joining the Bills. Reid and general manager Brett Veach addressed the situation by adding new faces to the receiving core.
First, they signed former Ravens and Cardinals player Marquise Hollywood Brown and then drafted Texas graduate Xavier Worthy. The difference between last season’s receivers and their new players is night and day. While Valdes-Scantling prefers possession-based football, Brown and Worthy rely more on speed. It will help Mahomes to look for those deep balls near the red zone.
Fortunately, the Chiefs did not lose their offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, Rashee Rice . The SMU graduate has 6 charges filed against him for road rage, resulting in jail time. Additionally, he remains a suspect in hitting a photographer at a Dallas nightclub.
All Pro Tight End, Travis Kelce extended his stay in Kansas City for two more years. The three-time Super Bowl winner wants to complete the three-peat before hanging up his boots.
