Patrick Mahomes' Passing Numbers Reveal Unprecedented NFL Trend

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has built his reputation on spectacular throws, explosive plays and an ability to attack defenses at every level.

But his passing numbers over the past month reveal a dramatically different approach.

Mahomes has now gone four consecutive games averaging fewer than five air yards per pass attempt, an unprecedented stretch in the NFL over the past 20 years.

According to CBS Sports researcher Doug Clawson, no other quarterback during that period has recorded even three consecutive games with at least 30 pass attempts and fewer than five air yards per attempt.

Mahomes' averages during the four-game stretch have been 3.6, 4.7, 4.7 and 3.6 air yards per attempt.

The trend continued during Sunday's 35-12 victory over the New York Jets, when Mahomes completed 23 of 31 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

Although the Chiefs pulled away for a convincing victory, their quarterback continued relying heavily on short passes and yards after the catch.

The absence of deep completions is even more striking.

According to fantasy football analyst Ian Hartitz, Mahomes completed seven passes traveling at least 20 yards downfield during Weeks 1 through 4.

He has completed none during Weeks 5 through 9.

His last such completion came against the Las Vegas Raiders on the play when receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered an ankle injury.

Thornton had emerged as Kansas City's most dangerous downfield target before the injury, prompting the Chiefs to explore a potential reunion with Tyreek Hill.

The change represents a dramatic departure from Mahomes' earlier seasons.

A CBS broadcast graphic showed that Mahomes threw 44 touchdown passes traveling at least 20 air yards from 2018 through 2021, ranking second in the NFL.

He has thrown just six such touchdowns since 2022, tied for 36th.

Those periods cover different numbers of seasons, but the figures illustrate how much Kansas City's passing attack has changed.

The Chiefs have also become increasingly dependent on shorter targets.

Earlier this month, Kansas City's running backs and tight ends had outproduced its wide receivers through seven games.

Mahomes' latest performance came despite an elbow injury scare against the Jets, although the short-passing trend was established well before Sunday's game.

Kansas City improved to 6-2 with the victory, demonstrating that its offense can still succeed without consistently attacking downfield.

However, the historic numbers raise an important question about whether the Chiefs can regain their explosive passing attack against stronger opponents.