Has Patrick Mahomes already hit his peak? That’s the theory on the mind of an NFL expert as the Kansas City Chiefs star slipped below 4,000 passing yards for the first time in his highly successful career ion the 2024/25 season.
Heralded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, since becoming the starting quarterback in Missouri in 2018, the 29-year-old quickly established himself as an elite playmaker, capturing three Super Bowl titles, three Super Bowl MVPs and two NFL MVP honors.
Yet, recent performances have led some observers, including the prominent NFL commentator, Bill Simmons, to question whether he has already peaked in his career before even hitting 30.
Last season, the Chiefs finished with an impressive 15-2 record, but many of their victories were hard-fought and narrow, prompting debate about the team’s overall dominance.
Statistically, Mahomes‘ production also declined compared to his stellar 2022 campaign as last time out he passed for 3928 yards and 26 touchdowns, figures that represent a downturn from previous years and stand as his lowest yardage total since becoming the starter. So, is he past his best?
“In 2022, he threw for 5,250 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. That dropped 1300 yards last year,” Simmons noted on his podcast. “Now, he played one less game, but all his stats are down. The rushing stats are down.
“I guess my question is: is it possible that he might have peaked a couple years ago, as like Apex Mahomes? I’m just talking it through.
“I’m not trying to be reactionary guy; I just don’t think he was as good last year as he was in that ’22 season and some of those other years.”
Why did Patrick Mahomes struggle in 2024/25 NFL season?
The 2024 season marked the first time since he took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback that Mahomes did not exceed 4000 passing yards, which is partly explained by a reduction in pass attempts as he threw 581 passes, which is the third-lowest total in his tenure as a starter.
But despite these decreases, his completion percentage improved, reaching a career-high 67.5%, a metric suggesting increased efficiency, even as total yardage and touchdowns declined.
One widely discussed factor behind the downturn in Mahomes’ raw numbers is the Chiefs’ loss of key offensive weapons since the departure of Tyreek Hill. That left a void in the passing game that Kansas City has struggled to fill.
Attempts to replace Hill have been hampered by injuries, legal troubles, and inconsistent performances from new and existing receivers. Additionally, his star tight end Travis Kelce, a favorite target of Mahomes, has shown signs of decline as he hits his mid-30s.
Read the full article here
