The Chiefs are 7-0. That’s a start anyone with basic knowledge would have predicted preseason. But with injuries hitting like dominoes, no one thought they’d still be on the course for the 3-peat. And yet they are! I mean, that’s the two-time defending champs for you. Plus, with Patrick Mahomes under center, what else would you expect? Former Chiefs QB Alex Smith echoed that: “This is the best football I have seen from Patrick.” High praise from a guy who has been part of the kingdom. But not everyone’s into the Mahomes hype, at least not fully.

Cue Jason Whitlock. Speaking on his Fearless Podcast, Whitlock didn’t hold back when reacting to Smith’s statement. “Alex Smith is arguing that Patrick Mahomes is looking better than ever,” Whitlock said, but he didn’t agree. “Mahomes is more impressive than ever, but this is not his best.” For him, the “best football” take just doesn’t hold up right now. And Whitlock has the stats on his side: Mahomes has racked up eight touchdowns to nine interceptions. Far from the dazzling MVP numbers we’re used to seeing from him.

But you expect this brutality of nailing it down candidly. I mean, he’s the same Jason Whitlock who took issues with Deion Sanders’ Corrupt System in college football that he is effectively working in Colorado’s benefit. Whitlock admitted, “Hats off to [Sanders], he’s working a system that I don’t respect, and I’m not going to apologize.” He gave credit where due. So, fairs. But made it clear he has major issues with the college transfer portal and the NIL-driven dynamics Sanders has embraced.

So, yeah, that coupled with his podcast literally being called Fearless. Don’t we expect this heat coming from Jason? We do. Back to Mahomes. Whitlock insists he’s not a Mahomes hater, just a realist. He acknowledges, “I am really impressed they have figured out a way to get to 7-0 [despite the injury woes].” And he’s not wrong; Mahomes has been about wins, not stat-padding this season. Whitlock sees a more mature Mahomes, focused on taking the team to victory over personal stats. It’s a shift that’s paying off for the Chiefs on the field, even if the highlight reels look a bit different this year.

But, let’s be honest: Patrick Mahomes’ numbers are looking far from Mahomes-esque. His TDs to INTs ratio would raise eyebrows for any QB, let alone one like him. Typically, Mahomes stays on top of his passing stats, and the interceptions just feel a little “off-brand” this season. While injuries and roster shake-ups can partly explain it, Whitlock’s take here isn’t entirely out of bounds.

At the end of the day, the Chiefs are still winning, and that’s what matters to the Chiefs Kingdom. For them, Mahomes doesn’t need to be a stat-stuffer; he just needs to keep delivering wins. And if he does, that’s the stuff of legends right there.

Patrick Mahomes shining in the worst season of his career

So far, so good. Uh-huh, good would be an understatement. The Chiefs have been perfect. At least, that’s what the record says. But they have been a force, considering they have walked over big names like the Ravens, 49ers, and Bengals. Their defense? Ruthless, shredding through top quarterbacks like they’re in a blender. But here’s the kicker: something’s off with the offense. Patrick Mahomes, the guy we usually hand the MVP to by mid-season, isn’t putting up his usual firework numbers.

This year, we’ve seen more “game manager” Mahomes than the usual gunslinger we know and love. The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t hit 30 points once, even with a light defensive schedule. Normally, you’d expect Mahomes to tear it up. His passer rating is 20 points below his career average. Weird, right? For a guy who’s been the NFL’s best quarterback, this stat line is almost unrecognizable.

Despite those numbers, Mahomes hasn’t lost his magic entirely. He’s still pulling off those jaw-dropping scrambles, using his legs to bail out the offense in tight spots. Sure, he’s had more sub-150-yard games than 300-yard games. But he’s still out there doing whatever it takes to win. And that’s what keeps the Chiefs rolling, even if it’s not as pretty as usual.

Mahomes says it’s all “team football.” But you know things need a jolt when the Chiefs go out and snag veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins. They’re clearly looking to spice up the passing game. Clearly, Mahomes is judged by a different set of rules. And he must. But who cares about October numbers; it’s all about January when the road to the championship gets wild. Expect to see Pat hitting those Beastly numbers, then.

So, will we see Mahomes back in MVP form, or is this his new style? Let’s just say it’ll be interesting to watch him navigate this new challenge. One that he must do a little quickly, before it starts hurting the Chiefs.