Are the Kansas City Chiefs too dependent on Patrick Mahomes?

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out to pass during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out to pass during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

The Passing Game Has Been Elite

Since you’re reading this on a Kansas City Chiefs blog, you don’t need me to tell you that the passing game has been absolutely fantastic through two games this season. You’ve seen it with your own eyes. I just got done saying that I think that Patrick Mahomes is playing the quarterback position as well as anyone has ever played it—ever.

The numbers back that assertion up. Through two games Mahomes has completed 71.4% of his passes for 410.5 yards per game with 7 touchdowns and no interceptions. That means he’s on pace for the following numbers through two games:

  • 6,568 yards passing
  • 71.4% completions
  • 10.7 yards per attempt
  • 56 touchdowns
  • 0 interceptions

The really scary part is that he’s done that without Tyreek Hill for 90% of that time. Again, those numbers aren’t all about Patrick Mahomes. Andy Reid’s play design and play calling are a big part of it. The offensive line has to pass protect and guys like Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Damien Williams, and Mecole Hardman have all played a big part in making plays in the passing game.

If you have a unit playing as well as K.C.’s passing attack is to start the season, then of course you lean on that. I’m certainly not here to say the Chiefs should pass the ball less. Patrick Mahomes and company are setting the NFL on fire and I think we all agree that the best thing for the Chiefs is for them to keep pouring it on each and every week.

The question is: should we worry about the run game or defense? Let’s look at the run game through two weeks.

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