The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a painful loss to the Dallas Cowboys in what was a very entertaining Thanksgiving game. Beyond the final score (31-28), there were several positive aspects that kept the team extremely close, and one thing was clear: they took the necessary risks because there isn’t much margin for error if they want to reach the playoffs.
In this context, we have to highlight Patrick Mahomes, who had one of his best games of the entire season, throwing four touchdown passes and using his running ability to keep the offense on the field. Yes, the Chiefs lost, but it wasn’t his fault. The truth is that their defense needs adjustments; otherwise, even the talent of their quarterback won’t be enough.
Patrick Mahomes is the key to staying alive
No one can count out the Kansas City Chiefs; we’d be making a mistake if we did; and that’s exactly what CBS Sports analyst Zachary Pereles refused to do. He placed Andy Reid‘s team among the true playoff contenders and sees Patrick Mahomes as the reason they can remain in the hunt.
“The Chiefs are currently 6-6 and 10th in the AFC. They are very much fighting for their playoff lives, with a Week 14 ‘Sunday Night Football’ showdown with the Texans a near must-win. And yet they have Patrick Mahomes, who is enough reason to think they can not only stage a late-season rally, but be a factor in the Super Bowl conversation,” Pereles said.
It’s his job, and no one can argue that Mahomes isn’t one of the best QBs in the entire NFL. Ever since the season opener against the Chargers, he has been trying to do everything possible to secure wins. His competitive level makes him a constant threat who could return to the Super Bowl again, even if he’s currently out of the MVP conversation.
“Mahomes was sensational in a 31-28 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cowboys. He is second in expected points added per play this season. He’s been to the Super Bowl five times in seven full seasons as a starter.”
A tough test for the Chiefs
The bad news is that the Houston Texans stand in their way; one of the most feared defenses in the league, if not the most feared; yet Mahomes holds a 3-1 career record against them, and C.J. Stroud has never beaten him head-to-head.
It will be crucial to get players like Xavier Worthy more involved to raise the level of the offense, because at this point where they can’t afford any more losses, they’ll need an offense that keeps them in games and gives them real chances to win.
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