Patrick Mahomes is determined to reshape the Kansas City Chiefs offense for the 2025/26 NFL season, with a clear focus on maximizing the impact of his veteran tight end, Travis Kelce, in what could be his final year with the team.
Following the pain of losing Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Mahomes is emphasizing a more aggressive and high-reward offensive strategy designed to elevate his star teammates.
So, during the Chiefs‘ kick-off luncheon on Thursday, Mahomes shared his vision for the team and explained how he intends to incorporate Kelce as a central figure in his offensive plan.
“We wanna still be surgical and we wanna still be great on third down in the red zone, stuff like that,” Mahomes said. “But we wanna bring the big play back and we think we got the guys to do it.
“And so it’s my job to give these guys chances to go out there and make big plays. So, a lot of deep passes to Travis and let him go out there and make plays.”
After finishing 15-2 in 2024/25, Kansas City’s postseason collapse against the Eagles, who built a 24-point lead by halftime, highlighted the need for a more explosive offensive approach.
That was generally the trend throughout the campaign as the Chiefs ranked 12th in points per game with an average of 23.1, just eight ahead of the Cleveland Browns in last-place with 15.2.
The quarterback‘s commitment to targeting Kelce on deep throws signals a renewed emphasis on vertical threats in the passing game, something the team has lacked since Tyreek Hill left in 2022.
Chiefs vs Chicago Bears: What to watch out for in Kansas City’s final preseason game
Kansas City will conclude its preseason with a Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears, featuring starters for both teams as the Chiefs hope to refine their approach after last week’s uneven showing against the Seattle Seahawks.
That was a game during which the team’s run defense, which allowed 268 rushing yards and two touchdowns, so tightening up at the back will be a focal point and the defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, has expressed the need for improved readiness.
Unfortunately for Spags, their defensive back depth remains uncertain due to injuries to Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder), Mike Edwards (hamstring), and Deon Bush (ACL), while Kristian Fulton works back from offseason knee surgery.
It does, however, open the door for the likes of Joshua Williams and other young defensive backs have opportunities to prove themselves in these circumstances and catch Andy Reid‘s attention.
Offensively, Mahomes and his top receivers, including Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown, have seen minimal game action so this will be a big portion of football to get up to sharpness and get their chemistry with Mahomes cooking.
Finally, the Chiefs‘ running back depth will be tested between Elijah Mitchell and Carson Steele, with Mitchell offering speed and pass-catching ability, and Steele providing power, versatility, and special teams contributions.
Read the full article here
