Chiefs news: Patrick Mahomes hopes for bombs away in 2023

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a fourth quarter pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a fourth quarter pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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Patrick Mahomes was the best quarterback in the NFL in 2022, winning his second league MVP and leading the Kansas City Chiefs to their second Super Bowl victory under his command. Despite his tremendous success, Mahomes is still a man focused on getting better.

During a recent media interview, Mahomes talked about two facets of his game he wants to work on, which NFL insider James Palmer later tweeted.

Working on the deep ball

When Mahomes came into the league, he took the league by storm, earning his first MVP after passing for 50 touchdowns and more than 5000 yards. During that stretch, Mahomes threw 75 passes over 20 yards and 15 passes over 40 yards—both are career highs. In that season, Mahomes could push the ball down the field in ways that led to big play after big play.

The following season it appeared that the league caught up with Mahomes and his deep balls were drastically impacted. This was not due to a lack of trying to push the ball down the field, but defenses decided to play two high safeties to take away the deep ball.

In 2021, this defensive approach began to show cracks, and the downfield passes slowly increased. In 2022 Mahomes was back on track when it came to the deep pass attempts, but there was a new wrinkle to his deep passing game, and that would be his relationship with his wide receivers.

Last year, Mahomes spoke about how he still feels the need to go for the big play when the defense gives it to them, but fans were witness to failed attempts where Mahomes would either overthrow his receivers or they would fail to be on the same page. This is where the Tyreek Hill trade can be seen the most. Hill’s ball-tracking ability and speed made up for Mahomes’ overthrows, but this relationship has yet to be built with many of the new receivers.

Now that the Chiefs’ receivers are catching throwing sessions from Mahomes, this relationship looks to improve. With Mahomes wanting to focus on the deep ball, fans should be looking forward to the deep pass connections in 2023.

Getting out of the funk

This has been an issue for Mahomes for the past two seasons. When the Chiefs’ offense is humming, it’s one of the most beautiful things to watch. However, when the offense has a rough outing, it is clear how much Mahomes “tries” to will his team to win, but it can end up resulting in a stalled drive or an interception. Often, this shows itself when Mahomes holds the ball too long, and the play starts to break down.

Mahomes Magic can be a double-edged sword because when the play breaks down is when Showtime Mahomes shows his face making some of the craziest plays. This is also when Mahomes tries to do too much and gets sacked, or even worst turnovers occur.

Now don’t get me wrong. Mahomes is the best quarterback we have ever seen, and we are blessed to have him, but if he can improve or fix these two issues, Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be once again the most lethal and dynamic offense in the NFL.

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