“Patrick Mahomes I am under your bed HE WAS WIDE OPEN,” a fan ranted online after the Kansas City Chiefs squeaked out a 22-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Despite improving to 3-0, Chiefs Kingdom is in an uproar over their quarterback’s puzzling performance.
Mahomes, usually a pinpoint passer, looked more lost than a rookie in his first start. His accuracy woes began early, with his first pass to Rashee Rice falling short. As the game wore on, Mahomes’ struggles only worsened, especially when trying to connect with Travis Kelce.
The numbers paint an ugly picture. Mahomes went 17 for 27 in the first half, mustering just 128 yards and tossing an interception. He consistently misfired, underthrowing Justin Watson in the end zone, leading to a pick by safety Justin Simmons. Meanwhile, Kelce, his go-to guy, finished with a measly four catches for 30 yards.
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“I miss good Mahomes and Kelce,” another fan lamented. This sentiment echoed across social media, as supporters watched their offensive juggernaut sputter and stall. The Chiefs went a dismal 2 for 7 on third downs of two yards or less, consistently failing in clutch moments.
The frustration boiled over when one fan exploded, “TRAVIS SHOULD TELL @PatrickMahomes TO F— OFF AND RETIRE SO HE CAN ENJOY HIS LIFE BECAUSE PAT MISSING TRAV OPEN SO MANY TIMES IS BULLS—.” It’s a stark contrast to the usual praise heaped on the duo.
Is Kelce’s disappearing act a Chiefs offensive crisis?
Kelce’s vanishing act isn’t just a one-game fluke – it’s becoming a trend. Through the first two weeks, he’d managed just four receptions for 39 yards. Sunday’s game was supposed to be his comeback party.
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ESPN’s Matt Bowen had predicted before kickoff, “I expect Kelce to finish with over 60 yards receiving in this one.” Instead, fans got another dud from the usually reliable tight end. This raises questions: Are the Chiefs losing their offensive mojo?
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While Mahomes is taking heat, Andy Reid’s play-calling deserves scrutiny. The offense that once struck fear in defenses now looks pedestrian. Bowen had noted, “When we look at the tape, however, there have been opportunities for the veteran tight end to cash in on flood concepts, seam routes and underneath matchups.”
As KC prepares for the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday, all eyes will be on Mahomes and Kelce. Can they rediscover their magic, or is this the beginning of the end for the NFL’s dynamic duo? Chiefs fans are holding their breath, hoping this is just a blip and not a sign of things to come.
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Did Mahomes just show us that he doesn't trust Kelce anymore? What's going on here?
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Did Mahomes just show us that he doesn't trust Kelce anymore? What's going on here?
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