Patrick Mahomes and his team must find a way to avoid a double setback this upcoming weekend. Starting with a narrow 20-21 loss to the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs needs to come back strong for a significant historical reason. To prevent another defeat, coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes made a few changes this week.

Chris Jones, who was absent from the Chiefs’ 53-man roster due to a contract holdout, has rejoined the team after signing a one-year extension worth up to $25 million. His presence is expected to bolster the defense, making the team more unpredictable and challenging for their rivals. On the other hand, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, who was sidelined for the opener due to a hyperextended injury and bone bruise, is likely to make his return in Week 2. With these powerful weapons back in the lineup, Mahomes and the team are determined to secure a victory in the next game; otherwise, Chiefdom will face a heartbreaking disappointment.

Why couldn’t Patrick Mahomes afford a second loss?

In NFL history, starting a season with two consecutive losses is rarely fortunate. Since 1990, only 31 out of 270 teams, beginning the season 0-2 have made it to the playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals serve as an exceptional example, bouncing back from a 0-2 start last season to finish with a remarkable 12-4 record and reach the AFC championship game. However, such success is the exception rather than the rule. For most teams, a 0-2 start in the NFL presents an exceedingly challenging path to the playoffs.

This situation can arise on Sunday for the defending Super Bowl champs. Mahomes voiced his feelings in an interview by saying, “It doesn’t feel good. You want to win….I’ll be motivated as much as I always am, and that’s to go out there and win the week and it’s a great opportunity to go up against a great football team, so I’m excited for it.” The 2x MVP and the Chiefs will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium, setting the atmosphere for an intense contest.

Read more: Visibly Hurt After Lions’ Setback, Patrick Mahomes Fires Massive Warning, Amidst Star TE Travis Kelce’s Off-the-Field ‘Commitments’

Therefore, this is a critical “do or die” moment for Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and the Chiefs since history does not favor teams who begin with a 0-2 record.

Which teams have successfully overcome these odds?

A few more teams have triumphed through early defeats and earned playoff places, in addition to the Bengals’ stunning turnaround last season. The 1993 Dallas Cowboys, the 2001 New England Patriots, and the 2007 New York Giants are the only three teams in NFL history to win a Super Bowl after opening the season 0-2 in the league.

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings are already in a vulnerable situation this NFL season. The top three AFC teams from the previous season, the Chiefs, Bengals, and Buffalo Bills, who lost their season openers, are among the five other playoff teams from 2022 that are on the verge of a 0-2 start. The Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers are all up against the same obstacle.

The Chiefs must refocus and win their future games in order to avoid the uncommon predicament of needing to build a comeback after early defeats. For them to turn things around and be competitive in the league, this is a crucial time.

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