The shift from enchanting performer to systematic executor in the case of Patrick Mahomes.
In the NFL's bustling quarterback landscape, Patrick Mahomes remains the absolute king. Even as Lamar Jackson secures another MVP award, just barely edging out Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, and Burrow's statistics outshine both, Mahomes is still the one they all look up to, standout number 15 in Kansas City.
However, when the best quarterback in the league wraps up a season with lower passing yards, touchdowns, and an increased number of interceptions compared to his usual stats, questions necessarily arise. Is this a sign of football's relentless grasp pulling at Mahomes' once invincible prowess, or simply a smart shift towards a more sustainable and efficient brand of Chiefs football?
In 2024, Mahomes' performance was less than subpar by no means. He amassed 3,928 yards and completed 67.5% of his passes, racking up 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while boasting a QB Rate of 93.5. Nevertheless, these figures pale in comparison to his pre-existing yearly averages since becoming a starter in 2018: 5,036 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games, with a 66.5% completion rate.
When Mahomes' 2024 numbers are weighed against other quarterbacks who led teams to wining percentages exceeding .880, his stats fail to meet common standards. Indeed, Mahomes ranks lowest in the category of QB Rate out of all mentionned quarterbacks since 1968, trailing leader Aaron Rodgers' 2011 season by a significant 29 points.
Yet, despite Mahomes' statistical setbacks, his Chiefs team emerged victorious. So, the million-dollar question arises: Was Kansas City still the driving force behind the team's wins, Mahomes' career downturn be damned, or was it simply a trickle-down effect of smart roster management?
To unravel this enigma, we should scrutinize the roster's evolution over the past three seasons in great detail.
When Mahomes inked his record-breaking 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020, Chief's General Manager Brett Veach recognized the looming challenge. By gracefully deferring several substantial years of Mahomes' cap hit, the Chiefs could stretch out the heavy costs past 2022.
However, this only served to postpone the inevitable, as the Chiefs stood little chance of winning another Super Bowl in those initial two post-contract years, with issues of depth already emerging in the offensive and defensive lines.
As 2022 and Mahomes' exorbitant cap hit loomed, roster construction rapidly became a major hurdle.
- 2022: $35.8 million cap hit (17.19% cap percentage)
- 2023: $37.1 million cap hit (16.52% cap percentage)
- 2024: $37 million cap hit (14.49% cap percentage)
In the aftermath of the 2021-22 season, numerous roster alterations were necessary in order to accumulate much-needed cap space. Key players, such as wide receiver Tyreek Hill, linebacker Anthony Hitchens, and safety Tyrann Mathieu, were ultimately let go to make room for promising, team-friendly prospects.
This strategic maneuvering positioned the Chiefs to strike gold in the subsequent drafts. They found their shining stars in:
- CB Trent McDuffie
- DE George Karlaftis III
- RB Isiah Pacheco
- S Bryan Cook
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
- WR Rashee Rice
- OL Wanya Marris
- DB Chamarri Conner
- WR Xavier Worthy
- OL Kingsley Suamataia
- DB Jaden Hicks
- OL Hunter Nourzad
These additions not only fit snugly into the Chiefs' roster needs and contract restrictions but also boosted the team's depth across various positions. Closes like linebacker Nick Bolton, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and wide receiver Mecole Hardman would never have been possible without the newcomers' affordable contributions.
The Chiefs' offensive line, in particular, benefited from the arrival of Joe Thuney and Jawaan Taylor, adding to the position group's depth and solidifying the team's strength up front.
Meanwhile, the defense, led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, boasted impressive rankings in terms of points conceded, despite the absence ofstar players. The Chiefs' defense remains a formidable juggernaut, with Chris Jones standing out as the sole star.
With a defense like this at their disposal, the key to success in Kansas City lies in low-scoring, mistake-free football. By prioritizing ownership of the ball, the Chiefs have embraced a more strategic approach, which, by extension, prepares their offense for high-pressure situations all the way to the postseason.
It's this no-nonsense strategy that has propelled the Chiefs to numerous close contests between powerhouses like Buffalo. This experience, combined with their unwavering talent, has made them a cut above the rest, proving once again that even in less than stellar statistical seasons, Patrick Mahomes is still the undisputed king in Kansas City.
In the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, repeatedly demonstrated their dominance in the playoffs, advancing deep into the NFL playoffs. Mahomes' performance during this period was a testament to his resilience, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most, despite his statistically low QB Rating compared to previous seasons.
Despite Patrick Mahomes' lower passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions in the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs' offense thrived in the style of low-scoring, mistake-free football, mirroring the team's strategy during the playoffs, further emphasizing the team's cohesion and Mahomes' role as an inspirational leader.
