Red Friday Report: Toppling the Titans and Patrick Mahomes questions

Happy Red Friday, Addicts! The preseason is wrapped up. Kansas City took down the Tennessee Titans with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.

It’s the end of another work week, which means it’s time for another Red Friday Report. Fortunately we’re coming off of a fun final preseason game in which the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Tennessee Titans. Let’s take a closer look at our favorite team’s performance.

Chiefs vs Titans recap:

Man, was Patrick Mahomes on fire or what? Watching those crazy, Madden-esque throws was a real treat! My favorite was the pass he made in the middle of the second quarter. He scrambles and rolls out. Off balance, Mahomes just kind of flicks his arm and the ball flies into the hands of Demarcus Robinson! That was a work of art. Mahomes has some crazy talent and he displayed it last night.

Talking about last night’s game cannot go on without mentioning the punt return for a touchdown that Jehu Chesson scored. Reversing the whole field, Chesson surged to pay dirt for the score. I was concerned about the return game when Tyreek Hill got taken off. However, we are in good hands.

A final score of Chiefs 30 and Titans 6, coupled with the great displays on both sides of the ball, means this is a game I am happy that we won. I could not ask for a much better birthday gift from my team.

The Mahomes Effect

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I’m sure some have noticed the surge of excitement in Chiefs Kingdom since the drafting of Mahomes. While it was not universal across the fan base, it is undeniable that there is a renewed energy in the air. The drafting of a quarterback of the future in the first round was a huge step. Especially for a team who lasted drafted a first round quarterback in 1983.

As a result of this excitement and the talent on display so far, I have heard increased calls for Mahomes to start in the regular season. While I find myself in that crowd, I recognize the need for him to sit and learn. It will work out better in the end for all involved parties.

That does not stop us from speculating and exploring the hypothetical. Let’s take a dive into that world and explore a couple scenarios that could come as a result of the Mahomes Effect.

Starting Mahomes and trading Alex Smith

Let’s say for a moment that Andy Reid decides to start Mahomes going into the regular season. What will be done with Smith? Naturally, the first option is to trade him. There are a few teams out there who need quarterback help. One of these teams is the New York Jets.

The top quarterback on the Jets’ roster is Josh McCown. Give credit where it’s due, McCown has been a solid fill-in player. If your team is in dire need and McCown is there, he is high on your list. However, McCown is not immortal and age is catching up quick. Smith would be a nice upgrade over McCown and be able to hold the Jets over until the team drafts their franchise quarterback or an unexpected player emerges.

Related Story: Alex Smith's trade value in 2018

Ideally, trading Smith to the Jets would mean asking for a decent player and at least a second round draft pick. Who would this player be? A couple ideas have been floated, James Carpenter and Darron Lee.

Carpenter plays at the left guard position. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2011 Draft, Carpenter’s career stands at above average according to Pro Football Focus. Getting Carpenter would be a nice boost to our offensive line as we have a few unproven players there.

The other player on the docket is Lee, who plays the outside linebacker position. Looking at the PFF stats, Lee seems very much like a risky player to take. Drafted in the first round of the 2016 Draft, Lee’s rookie season was very rocky. Finishing last or near last in nearly every category that linebackers are graded on, Lee would be a risky developmental player.

Personally, I like the trade for Carpenter more. This idea was given to me by a friend from school and I took to it very quickly. Given the price tag that Smith carries and his age ticking up, this trade may end something like Smith for Carpenter and a third round selection. I am ok with that trade, but what do you think of that deal?

Regular season roster preparation

As a wrap up thought, here’s a couple questions for you, Addicts. Which bubble players do you think will make it? Who is gone? After last night, do you want Mahomes to start as well? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter. I am looking forward to the start of the regular season against the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading and Go Chiefs!