The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, helmed by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has hit a rough patch this season. Despite Mahomes completing nearly 69% of his passes—a career-high—he has struggled with turnovers and consistency, throwing six touchdowns against five interceptions.
While Mahomes has made some highlight-reel plays, like a 54-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy against the Los Angeles Chargers, he has also made costly mistakes, including throwing an interception in the same game.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy believes that the solution lies in Mahomes getting back to basics and staying composed. “Staying calm and going back to the basics,” Nagy emphasized. He stressed the importance of focusing on each play’s multiple elements, such as protection, throws, and route execution, and maintaining a next-play mentality after errors. Nagy praised Mahomes’ competitive nature and desire for greatness, saying, “There’s no one better than him because he’s so competitive and wants to be great.”
One area of concern has been Mahomes’ pocket presence, as he has been seen moving away from clean pockets or stepping into pressure situations. This could be influenced by the unsettled left tackle situation and injuries to key receivers like Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, limiting his downfield options.
Despite these challenges, Mahomes has a track record of bouncing back from rough patches. Last season, he faced similar issues attributed to a lack of receiver talent, but he adapted and led the team to success.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, Mahomes faces a crucial test. A strong performance in the spotlight could be a turning point, helping him return to form and keeping the Chiefs’ winning streak alive.