In the heart of Kansas City, a storm is brewing. Not the kind that sends locals scurrying for shelter, but one that has NFL defenses quaking in their cleats. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs‘ golden-armed quarterback, is gearing up for a season that could rewrite the history books. With three Super Bowl rings already adorning his fingers, Mahomes is eyeing a third consecutive title – a feat as elusive as catching lightning in a bottle.
Nick Wright, the outspoken NFL analyst, and Chiefs’ utter devotee dropped a bombshell on his show “What’s Wright?” When asked if anything short of a three-peat would be a “fun” season for Mahomes and the Chiefs, Wright didn’t mince words: “No. I mean, at this point, they are the ultimate anything short of a championship is a failure.” He went on to explain Mahomes’ mindset, saying, “I think by fun he means remind everyone that he’s got the best arm in football” and “chuck that sucker.” Wright added that by fun, Mahomes means to “go out there and destroy everybody.”
This isn’t just trash talk from an overzealous fan. Mahomes has consistently defied expectations, leading the Chiefs to six straight AFC Championship Games and three Super Bowls in his six seasons as a starter. His resume reads like a football fairy tale: three Super Bowl wins, three Super Bowl MVPs, two league MVPs, and six Pro Bowl selections. It’s no wonder ESPN’s survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts ranked him as the undisputed No. 1 quarterback.
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How do the Chiefs get back to having fun?
“Patrick Mahomes doesn’t want to dink and dunk, and 13-play drives, and be grinding stuff out. … By ‘fun’ he means ‘remind everyone that he has the best arm in football.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/3U6wKspX5t
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) July 19, 2024
Mahomes and Chiefs’ quest for an unprecedented three-peat isn’t just about adding another trophy to their case. It’s about cementing their place in football lore. No team in the Super Bowl era has managed this feat, not even the legendary dynasties of the past. Who has come so close? Dallas Cowboys who had fallen short in the 1994 NFC Championship Games following back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
His ability to adapt is what distinguishes Mahomes. He has since evolved as defenses have transitioned into two-high safety looks to keep him under control. His quick game has become very good and he utilizes his scrambling ability for huge plays. In fact, over that same span, Kansas City has a +574 point differential (1st), and they are 6-0 in playoff games against other teams on this list.
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Despite these impressive numbers, there are many obstacles. The Chiefs’ schedule for 2024 is loaded with tough opponents starting with a Week 1 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens. As Adam Rank of NFL.com says, “Don’t give the Ravens any hope. Squash that in Week 1.” The season concludes with a brutal stretch of three road games in the final four weeks, including a Christmas Day showdown in Pittsburgh.
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Can Patrick Mahomes handle the pressure, or will the Chiefs crumble under championship expectations?
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Roadblocks and rivals on the path to Gridiron glory
While the Chiefs’ ambitions soar higher than a Mahomes deep ball, the competition isn’t rolling over. Wright’s co-panelist, Chris Broussard cautioned on First Things First yesterday, “They have to be better because the competition is going to be better.” He highlighted potential spoilers like the Houston Texans, who’ve surrounded C.J. Stroud with elite talent, and the Baltimore Ravens, who’ve added former NFL Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry to their arsenal.
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The Chiefs aren’t resting on their laurels either. They’ve bolstered their receiving corps with speedster Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and rookie burner Xavier Worthy. On defense, they’ve locked down game-wrecker Chris Jones with a hefty $158.75 million contract, ensuring their front seven remains a force to be reckoned with.
The attention now shifts towards Mahomes and Chiefs as the 2024 season approaches. Can they do something unprecedented of winning three Super Bowls consecutively? “Let’s Keep It Rolling,” wrote Mahomes when he heard about his latest ranking as a number one quarterback. One thing is clear: As football fans prepare for another year of their favorite pastime, brace yourself for more ups and downs than a rollercoaster ride while Mahomes chases football immortality.
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Can Patrick Mahomes handle the pressure, or will the Chiefs crumble under championship expectations?