Sammy Watkins discusses Patrick Mahomes growth as Chiefs quarterback

Sammy Watkins spoke to the media about Patrick Mahomes growth as a quarterback.

In his first full season as a starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. In his second year, even while dealing with numerous injuries, he once again figured into the MVP conversation and led his team to their first Super Bowl in five decades. Coming into his third season, it’s exciting to think about just how much better Mahomes can actually get.

During the team’s first game of the 2020 season, Mahomes put up a rather pedestrian stat line by his own standards. He threw 3 touchdowns against 0 interceptions and completed 75 percent of his passes (24 completions on 32 attempts). However, he also only threw for 211 yards.

In 32 regular season games to date, Mahomes has thrown for less yards than that in just four of them. He has, however, matched the 3 touchdown, 0 turnover performance in 9 other games. In other words, Mahomes was incredibly efficient, and those who watched the game will remember other bigger plays that were also nullified by drops or called back by the refs.

All of this goes to show that Mahomes isn’t just capable of the jaw-dropping downfield throws at this point in his career. Mahomes is also learning to take what comes his way. On a night where his rookie teammate Clyde Edwards-Helaire earned the bigger share of the spotlight, Mahomes quietly put together a remarkably efficient and effective performance. It’s a sign the third-year starter is growing in his role.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins spoke with reporters on Wednesday and detailed the growth he’s seen in Mahomes this season so far.

"“He’s moving as the offense is moving,” said Watkins. “He’s getting the ball out of his hands. Teams are going to blitz us more. I think he’s just going to continue to get better.“I think coach has been working on him all of camp getting the ball out of his hands pretty quick. He’s a guy who knows the game, knows the coverages, knows where to go with the ball. If he sees something open, why not just throw it and get the ball off?”"

Watkins has certainly enjoyed being on the receiving end of Mahomes’ throws the last couple seasons in K.C. and he decided to return this year on a restructured contract that will set him free on the open market next spring. In the team’s opener, Watkins was often the go-to target when other options like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce were covered, and he ended the game with 7 catches on 9 targets for a team-high 82 yards and 1 touchdown. While Watkins is certainly capable of the “big plays,” he’s also becoming a go-to receiver underneath.

"“Pat loves the big plays. Now I think he’s growing up and being that elite quarterback that saying, ‘Let me check it down and move to the next play.’ That’s a special guy we have on our team.”"

Special is certainly one way to say it. No quarterback in NFL history has enjoyed this level of success so early in his career as a starter. As a pioneer at the position, there’s no telling just how good Mahomes can be and where he will carry the Chiefs in this third season. If you believe Watkins, somehow the best is yet to come.