In the ever-evolving saga of the NFL, where epic tales of quarterbacks reign supreme, Patrick Mahomes has become the latest hero in this gridiron narrative. As of February 1, 2025, this dude has notched an impressive 17 playoff dubs, zooming past Joe Montana‘s 16 and setting his sights on the stars. With a postseason passer rating of 105.8, 5,557 yards, 43 TDs, and only 8 INTs in 20 games, Mahomes has turned the playoffs into his playground. His .850 winning percentage in the playoffs? That’s like saying he’s the LeBron of the gridiron, with a clutch gene that’s off the charts.

But let’s get into what makes Mahomes tick, or should I say, what makes him tick everyone else off. Here’s Peyton Manning, the sage of quarterbacks, dropping wisdom on what sets Mahomes apart: “Yeah. Look. I’m not sure anybody can speak about Patrick, about what it is except him because it is, it is unique. It is different. I think he could beat you in so many different ways.” That’s right, Peyton, the man who’s seen it all, admits (on the PaMcAfee Show) that Mahomes is in a league of his own. Whether it’s shredding defenses from the pocket or scrambling for yards like he’s playing Madden in real life, Mahomes has got the sauce.

Manning continues, “Hey. You know, let’s let’s force him out of the middle. You saw some great runs you had against Buffalo. He throws the ball on the run as well as anybody in the league, and he just doesn’t really sweat out there. I think he likes getting behind and, creating a little drama, good TV ratings, knowing he’s gonna lead you down for a 2-minute drill.” The drama, the flair, it’s all part of Mahomes’ game plan, turning each game into a must-watch spectacle where he’s the star, pulling rabbits out of his helmet.

“And their team has been there, and their team never flinches because they’re like, hey. We’ve been here before. We were down, to this team. We can come back, and they’ve been that way all season. So, look, they’re the bully, and they’ve earned it.” According to Manning, Mahomes and the Chiefs have become the NFL’s version of the ’85 Bears, the bullies you love to hate but can’t help respecting.

The Mahomes-Manning comparison: A tale of two eras

Now, let’s dive into the facts, and the stats, Peyton Manning, with his 266 games, threw for 71,940 yards and 539 TDs, setting records like they were going out of style. His career passer rating was a solid 77.4, but in the playoffs, he upped it to 88.5, proving he was a clutch performer when it mattered.

Contrast that with Mahomes, who, in just 112 games, has racked up 32,352 yds and 245 TDs with a jaw-dropping 102.1 passer rating in the regular season, and an even more insane 105.8 in the playoffs. Manning completed a marathon-length career while Mahomes looks set to sprint directly into the Hall of Fame. Manning’s accolades are like a trophy case at the Smithsonian: Manning has assembled a collection of five MVP awards with seven All-Pro selections and two Super Bowl rings that rival the elite displays found at the Smithsonian.

Mahomes has already earned two MVP titles and Super Bowl MVP honors and won three Super Bowls during his brief career which demonstrates his exceptional ability to transform the game’s traditional strategies.

But here’s where Manning hits the nail on the head about Mahomes: “And everybody said they kinda had a off year this year. They lost one game, and, and they got they got the home field, and now they’re back in New Orleans. So they’re the bully, and, until you punch the bully in the mouth, they’re gonna keep bullying you. And I think that’s the case, until somebody does it.” Mahomes, with his Chiefs, has turned adversity into opportunity, making every game a chance to show why he’s the current king of the hill.

In this dance of quarterbacks, Manning and Mahomes are like the classic rock vs. the new wave, each with their rhythm, each with their legacy. Yet, as Manning suggests, Mahomes isn’t just following in his footsteps; he’s carving out his own path, one dramatic comeback, one no-look pass at a time. And if the NFL is a stage, Mahomes has got the spotlight, and he knows how to use it, not just for the win but for the sheer entertainment of it all.