In fact, if the Missouri representatives have a record of six wins in as many games since the start of the 2024 schedule, it would be fair to say that they are doing so despite Mahomes’ poor performance. Most valuable player in the NFL in 2018 and 2022, the famous number 15 of the Chiefs is only a shadow of himself on the field.
Before the games of this eighth week of activities, Mahomes presents a harvest of 1,369 yards (average of 231.5 per game), six touchdown passes and eight interceptions, adding in the process 122 yards on the ground and a visit to the zone of goals.
His eight interceptions place him tied with Jordan Love (Packers) and Gardner Minshew (Raiders) for the NFL lead in this regard while his six passes for the major give him 21st rank among players at his position.
To give you an idea, that’s the same number as Daniel Jones of the New York Giants and just one more than Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. He’s even on a two-game streak without a touchdown pass.
Seeing Mahomes with names like that is absolutely abnormal and makes you wonder what’s going on, especially considering he’s still working alongside the offensive genius that is head coach Andy Reid.
His way of attacking the pitch is also very conservative. For example, in the Monday Night game against the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago, the vast majority (300 of his 331 yards) of his offensive output came from passes that traveled 15 yards or less. in the air.
That’s not to mention that he didn’t throw a single pass to receivers in tight coverage. However, he has proven time and time again that he can send the ball where it is needed despite the presence of an opponent in the area.
The fact that he leads the NFL in interceptions despite this conservative selection for passing plays is therefore puzzling.
Broken staff
Beyond the fact that he is having trouble with his play reads, one of the main factors that can explain Mahomes’ setbacks is the state of health of the playmakers around him.
Star receiver Rashee Rice saw his season end after an interception thrown by Mahomes. While trying to bring his opponent to the ground, Rice had the unpleasant surprise of seeing Mahomes fall on his right knee, which caused him a torn ligament.
For his part, Marquise Brown, brought via the free agent market, did not even have time to make it to the regular schedule as he was the victim of a shoulder injury which will keep him sidelined for the less until the playoffs.
There is also running back Isiah Pacheco, a central part of the Chiefs’ offense, who suffered a fractured fibula and continues his recovery for at least a few more weeks.
Mahomes must therefore work with a patched staff around him. Despite all the talent we know he has, that can partly explain his problems.
However, the Chiefs management is constantly looking for improvements to make its offense more threatening. On Wednesday, the team acquired veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans for a modest 5th round pick. At 32 years old and fragile as he is, Hopkins is no longer the star he once was, but he is still able to provide good service. If he remains healthy, he will prove useful to Mahomes very quickly.
Earlier this year, running back Kareem Hunt was called in to energize the backfield after the loss of Pacheco. Thrown into the fray quickly, Hunt averages 83 yards per game and has produced three touchdowns in as many games.
This patched-up offense isn’t as explosive as in the past, but it’s balanced. It also benefits from several advantageous positions on the ground thanks to the excellence of the defense. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit is one of the five best in the NFL this year.
By being able to stifle their opponents, the defense allows the offense to go for a slower tempo and thus win the battle for time of possession. The Chiefs also come in 3rd in the league with an average of 32:18 with the ball in their hands. This is a considerable advantage.
It can only be better
For detractors of the Chiefs, this situation is enough to frighten them. Mahomes has never played this bad since arriving in the NFL and despite that, the team is undefeated. Some might be tempted to question the difficulty level of their schedule so far, but Kansas City finds a way to win no matter how and no matter what personnel they have.
The adversity faced by this team could also serve them well once they reach the playoffs. They have already won the last two championships and, insatiable, they still persevere despite the adversity they are currently facing.
Imagine what this formation will be like when Mahomes comes out of his torpor, Pacheco and Hunt are healthy in the backfield and the defense continues to dominate.
It’s hard to believe they won’t be back at the Super Bowl.
