Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game of football.
He has all the accolades already and he’s still only 30-years-old. After just barely missing the 4,000 passing yards mark for the first time in his career as a starter, he is well on pace to hit that mark this season.
The two-time National Football League Most Valuable Player has completed 66.1 percent of passes for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions through seven games. He also has 250 rushing yards and four scores on 42 carries.
His value as a runner has been on full display, leading the team in rushing over running backs Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith. The Chiefs would rather Mahomes not run as much to protect his safety, but the running game has needed his rushing abilities more than ever before.
In 2023, Mahomes’ best rushing season, he rushed for 389 yards on 75 carries. If these trends continue, Mahomes will shatter his previous bests in every rushing category.
Over his last four games, Mahomes has efficiently hurt his opponents through the air and on the ground.
“During this four-game window, Mahomes has thrown 11 touchdowns (with only one interception), plus he's completing 71.3% of his passes,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote Thursday. “And he's getting the ball out in a hurry, with an average time of 2.60 seconds before passing (fourth fastest over the past four weeks). He's running the ball, too, with at least 28 yards rushing in three of his past four games along with a touchdown in two of them.”
There haven’t been a lot of deep shots taken by Mahomes, but it doesn’t seem to matter, especially when his targets thrive on yards after the catch.
“Another thing worth noting is Mahomes has averaged only 6.7 air yards per attempt during this stretch. Limited vertical throws here. Instead, he's targeting the crossers, pivots, short outbreakers and screens. Those routes are an easy fit for wide receiver Rashee Rice, who returned from suspension in Week 7 to catch seven of 10 targets for 42 yards and two scores (23.2 fantasy points). Move him up in the ranks.
“Does this style of play continue for Mahomes? I think it does. More zone coverage from opposing defenses, with Mahomes taking the throws that are available. Lots of catch-and-run targets, while Mahomes picks his spots to produce as a runner.”
Mahomes and the Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders without QB Jayden Daniels in Week 8.