The Chiefs‘ loss against the Eagles was probably not shockingly unexpected. After all, the past season’s Super Bowl runners-up were the ones to count on. They had been looking for revenge since February and prepared accordingly. But the defending champs can’t apply the same excuse for the away loss to the Packers on Sunday. And QB Patrick Mahomes has taken things on himself following it.
Talking to reporters at the post-game press conference, Mahomes pointed out his weaknesses and misses that have cost the team the game. He also believed he didn’t do enough in the season to help the team’s efforts become victories. But what do the stats say? Is the QB as inadequate as he believes he is? Stick on for an unlikely revelation.
Patrick Mahomes takes the blame for the loss to the Packers
The 2x NFL MVP took responsibility for the loss in the post-game media conference. He also pointed out his faults that have been noticeable to him in the season. “I mean, I just gotta hit the guys whenever they’re there. I mean, you’re the one with the pass interference. I know it’s kinda falling back if I get the ball out there…” Then, seemingly pulling himself back, he said: “Well, not a pass interference; if I get the ball out there, he scores a touchdown in that situation.”
“It’s my job, and the defense gets me an opportunity to win the game. And I’ve to go on there and win it with my teammates. Obviously, I haven’t done that enough this season,” the QB added, reflecting on his performance in the season. Mahomes, however, ended the self-criticism on a positive note. “And so, I got to try to get better, ’cause I’m sure we’ll have another… More opportunities as the season goes on.”
There we had it, the reigning Super Bowl champ and Super Bowl MVP and the quarterback of the season breaking himself down, insisting he hasn’t done enough this season. In reality, statistics suggest his words are partially true. It’s not a day-and-night difference, but the NFL’s most famous QB is on a decline.
Patrick Mahomes is on a downward trajectory
Statistics bring out a momentary drop in the QB’s numbers and placings. Other than Mahomes’ recent dip, some names have performed exceptionally well in the season. In the 12 games played, the Chiefs QB has amassed 3,127 yards (eighth), 301-444 pass completions (second), 67.8 completion rate (seventh), 22 touchdowns (fourth), and 95 passer rating (eighth among the QBs to have crossed the 3,000-yard mark).
Mahomes has also been intercepted 10 times (fourth in the 3,000-yard zone) and sacked 17 times (second), which, on a positive note, are among the lowest in the league. In comparison, the QB was leading pretty much every stat by this time last season and finished on the top in two and the Top 3 in the other five statistics mentioned above. He went on to win the league and Super Bowl MVP, and the quarterback of the season.
While the Chiefs’ recent struggles are certainly reflected in Mahomes’ numbers, they are also affected by the relatively tougher competition from younger names like CJ Stroud, Sam Howell, and Brock Purdy. But Mahomes isn’t getting disappointed. As he stated, they still have plenty of chances left to play. And we believe a determined PM15 will fight back to conquer every target, helping himself and the Chiefs improve.
