After the Chiefs stormed back from 24 points down in a single quarter, there were numerous “We’re taking Patrick Mahomes for granted” takes floating around Twitter. The concept sounds ridiculous: How can we take for granted a 24-year-old who has already won an MVP and is widely considered an elite quarterback?
But the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with the take. It’s not even necessarily our fault that we do take him for granted. I blame him for setting the bar so high during his first season as a starter. The no-look passes, the left-handed throw on Monday Night Football, that red-zone laser on the run against the 49ers … he spoiled us in Year 1.
Our tolerance to his absurd ability is too high. That furious rally against the Texans serves as a perfect example. Mahomes’ overall performance during the scoring spree was appropriately celebrated, but there were at least five plays during that one stretch that deserved their own spotlight. But Mahomes made them look so easy, that it barely registered with us that he had done something special.
Well, we’re here to right that wrong. Let’s take a look at the five ridiculous throws that looked routine for Mahomes.
Play 1: Mahomes can see the future
Throwing with anticipation is a must for an NFL quarterback, and Mahomes clearly has the ability to that, as we saw on his first TD pass of the game. The timing of this throw is impeccable. He has to KNOW where Williams will be and place it in the right spot. He does…
Play 2: Mahomes curves the bullet
From the wide angle, this doesn’t look like a very tough throw but wait until you see it from the end zone view. Mahomes has to throw it sidearmed to get it outside of the reach of D.J. Reader and he does while diving to the side. Somehow, it still hits Travis Kelce right in the hands.
Play 3: Mahomes on the run
Here’s another touchdown throw on the run. This time, Mahomes is sprinting to his right while trying to avoid several pass rushers, and without breaking stride, he throws back across his body and puts it in the perfect spot, allowing Kelce to turn and score.
Play 4: Mahomes on the run … but the other way
This is even more ridiculous. Mahomes is going to his left and has to throw an awkward pass around a Texans defender. He makes it work and Kelce gets another touchdown.
Play 5: Mahomes from the pocket
This one isn’t super impressive, but it shows that Mahomes can also make plays from the pocket. This also looks much easier than it actually is. He climbs the pocket while sliding to his left before threading a perfect pass to his right and just out of the reach of the two defenders chasing Kelce. It had to be perfect. It was.
The numbers don’t really back this up, but Mahomes is a far better quarterback now than he was during his MVP season. The game just looks easier for him in his second season as a starter. So, yes, we are probably taking Mahomes’ talent for granted, but it’s his fault for being so damn good.
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