In a league dominated by superstars, few names shine brighter than Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has been the face of the NFL for years, carving out a legacy with Super Bowl victories, MVP awards, and jaw-dropping performances that have redefined the position. So, when a well-known NFL analyst recently stirred the pot by downplaying Mahomes’ importance to the Chiefs, the football world erupted in debate. Could such a claim hold any merit, or is it just a desperate attempt to stand out in a crowded world of hot takes?
The statement was provocative, the reaction was swift, and now, the question must be asked: How much of the Chiefs’ success truly hinges on Patrick Mahomes?
The Controversial Claim: A Shot at Mahomes’ Legacy?
During a recent segment on a prominent sports network, the analyst—whose name we’ll refrain from spotlighting for now—dropped a bombshell take that immediately turned heads: “Patrick Mahomes isn’t as irreplaceable to the Chiefs as people think. This system, combined with Andy Reid’s genius and their defensive improvements, is the real reason Kansas City keeps winning. Not just Mahomes.”
The statement, to put it mildly, landed like a punch to the gut for Mahomes’ fans and the Chiefs Kingdom. After all, Patrick Mahomes has been the cornerstone of the Chiefs’ dynasty. Suggesting otherwise is akin to football blasphemy. However, the analyst didn’t stop there, doubling down by comparing Mahomes’ contributions to those of other high-level quarterbacks—hinting that Kansas City would “still be a Super Bowl contender” even if someone else were under center.
The analyst credited Andy Reid’s brilliant offensive schemes, Travis Kelce’s dominance as a tight end, and a steadily improving defense as the pillars holding up Kansas City’s empire. He suggested that Mahomes benefits more from his environment than he elevates it—a take that many view as downright disrespectful to the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
Chiefs Kingdom Responds: “Are You Kidding Me?”
It didn’t take long for the backlash to explode on social media. Chiefs fans, NFL insiders, and even former players were quick to call out the sheer absurdity of downplaying Mahomes’ impact. To many, the suggestion that the Chiefs’ success could be replicated without Mahomes sounds ridiculous. After all, Mahomes has been at the heart of Kansas City’s transformation into a perennial contender, making throws no one else in the league can dream of and producing magic when his team needs it most.
Twitter (or X, as it’s now called) was flooded with passionate reactions. Some defended Mahomes as “a generational talent who makes everything possible,” while others ridiculed the analyst for pushing what they called a “lazy narrative.”
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky jumped into the fray, tweeting:
“Without Mahomes, the Chiefs aren’t even CLOSE to being the same team. He’s not just part of the system; he’s the REASON the system works.”
Other analysts joined in, pointing to the many times Mahomes has single-handedly bailed out the Chiefs, whether by extending plays, pulling off impossible throws, or engineering fourth-quarter comebacks when everything else was falling apart.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Mahomes’ Impact by the Stats
It’s easy to argue about “system quarterbacks” and coaching brilliance, but the numbers tell a story that even Mahomes’ critics can’t ignore. Since taking over as Kansas City’s starter in 2018, Mahomes has put up statistics that are borderline video game numbers:
- 12,000+ passing yards and 105 touchdowns in his first three seasons alone.
- 2 NFL MVP Awards (2018, 2022)
- 3 Super Bowl appearances and 2 championships.
- An all-time high career passer rating of 105.7.
But Mahomes’ influence isn’t limited to just the box score. His improvisational skills—turning broken plays into touchdowns—are unmatched. How many quarterbacks can pull off no-look passes, sidearm darts, and deep bombs across their body with defenders breathing down their neck? Very few.
In 2022 and 2023, as the Chiefs navigated offensive line struggles and roster changes, Mahomes elevated his game even further, proving he doesn’t just thrive in ideal circumstances—he creates success out of chaos.
The biggest example? Super Bowl LVII. Down by 10 points against a ferocious Eagles team and playing through a high-ankle sprain, Mahomes orchestrated a flawless second half to deliver another Lombardi Trophy to Kansas City. It was yet another reminder that when Mahomes is on the field, no lead is safe for opponents.
Andy Reid’s Role: Genius Coach, But Is It All About the System?
To be fair, the analyst didn’t pull the “system quarterback” card completely out of thin air. Andy Reid is undeniably one of the greatest offensive minds in NFL history. His ability to design creative plays and maximize his players’ strengths has been a major reason for the Chiefs’ success. It’s also true that Reid’s schemes make life easier for a quarterback—whether it’s Mahomes or someone else.
However, here’s the catch: Not every quarterback can execute Reid’s system the way Mahomes does. Reid’s creativity and Mahomes’ skill set complement each other perfectly. The offense isn’t built to carry Mahomes; it’s built to unleash him. Without Mahomes’ unique blend of arm talent, athleticism, and mental toughness, Reid’s playbook simply wouldn’t look the same.
Let’s not forget what happened to Reid in Philadelphia. As brilliant as he was, Reid’s Eagles teams were never able to win a Super Bowl. It wasn’t until Reid found the perfect quarterback in Mahomes that everything clicked into place.
The Defensive Factor: How Much Credit Do They Deserve?
The analyst also praised the Chiefs’ defense as a key factor in their recent success. There’s some truth here as well. Over the past two seasons, Kansas City’s defense has made massive strides, particularly under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Key players like Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Nick Bolton have turned the Chiefs into a more well-rounded team.
But let’s be real: Defense alone doesn’t win championships in today’s NFL. The league is built for offense, and when the Chiefs needed points in critical moments, it was Mahomes who delivered time and time again. Take away Mahomes, and the defense can only carry so much weight.
The Counterpoint: Would the Chiefs Still Be Contenders Without Mahomes?
Now, to address the core of the analyst’s argument: Would the Chiefs still be contenders without Patrick Mahomes? The answer depends on how you define “contenders.” Could the Chiefs still be a good team with a competent quarterback in Andy Reid’s system? Probably. Reid’s offensive schemes are that good, and the supporting cast is strong enough to keep Kansas City competitive.
But here’s the truth: Without Mahomes, the Chiefs would not be a dynasty. They wouldn’t have two Super Bowl rings in the past four years, nor would they have become the juggernaut that other teams fear. Mahomes isn’t just part of the Chiefs’ success; he’s the reason they’ve reached levels that few franchises ever achieve.
Conclusion: Mahomes Deserves His Flowers
It’s easy to get caught up in contrarian takes, but some things in football are undeniable: Patrick Mahomes is the most important player on the Kansas City Chiefs. Yes, Andy Reid is a coaching genius. Yes, the defense has improved. And yes, Travis Kelce is a Hall of Fame-caliber tight end. But none of that changes the fact that Mahomes is the engine that makes the Chiefs’ machine run.
The analyst’s attempt to “disregard” Mahomes may have sparked headlines, but it won’t change the reality on the field. Mahomes’ combination of skill, leadership, and ability to elevate his teammates is what separates him from everyone else. Take him away, and the Chiefs would still be searching for their first Super Bowl title in decades.
So the next time someone tries to downplay Mahomes’ importance to the Chiefs, just show them the highlights—those no-look passes, the improbable comebacks, and the championship parades in Kansas City. Because when the Chiefs take the field, one thing is crystal clear: Patrick Mahomes isn’t just important—he’s irreplaceable.
