In 2024, critics have made their voices heard, but Patrick Mahomes’ Week 8 performance reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s elite.
There’s been little reason to criticize the Kansas City Chiefs this season. As the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions, they’re the only team left undefeated. Yet, some “experts” had expressed doubts about the Chiefs this season, largely due to Mahomes not playing at his usual high level. But that narrative shifted on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Arguments could be made about how fair it is to say Mahomes hadn’t been performing well through the Chiefs’ first six games. While his numbers weren’t what fans have come to expect, entering the game with only 6 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, he has repeatedly delivered when it counts, helping Kansas City grind out tough wins.
For anyone doubting his status among the league’s best, Mahomes’ game against the Raiders should have changed their minds. He completed 27 of 38 passes (71%) for 262 yards, with 2 touchdowns and just 1 interception, which came on a deflected pass rather than a poor decision. Mahomes also picked up key yards on the ground, adding 17 rushing yards and securing some crucial first downs.
While the 2-6 Raiders may not be an elite team, they have a knack for challenging the Chiefs. Some saw this matchup as a potential “trap game,” and there were tense moments, but Mahomes stayed in control. Despite the Raiders’ best efforts, he played with the same composure and mastery that’s led Kansas City to its last two championships.
Newly acquired DeAndre Hopkins made an appearance, though he’s still adjusting to the offense. Hopkins looks to be a natural fit and should only improve as he becomes more integrated. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce had a standout performance, racking up 10 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown, his best game of the season so far.
If Mahomes continues to play as he did on Sunday, and Hopkins and Kelce stay productive, his stats should only improve. The added attention on Hopkins and Kelce will likely create more opportunities for contributors like Xavier Worthy and Noah Gray, who have shown flashes of promise. Health remains a key concern, as does the left tackle position, which could pose some challenges for the offense.
Even if Mahomes’ stats don’t soar, the notion that he’s been “underperforming” is an exaggeration considering the high standard he’s set. He’s currently on pace for a career-best completion percentage of 68.4%, and while his 7.3 yards per attempt is slightly below his average, it’s already an improvement over last season’s 7.0. He’s also projected to pass for over 4,000 yards, not far off from his highest season total of 5,250. Judging by the national media’s focus on the Chiefs’ defense and run game, you might think his yardage would be far lower.
A key stat illustrating Mahomes’ impact is the Chiefs’ third-down conversion rate. Against the Raiders, they converted 12 of 16 third downs. Combined with their 8 of 14 third-down success against the San Francisco 49ers the week prior, they’re 20 of 30 on third downs since their bye week—a remarkable two-thirds success rate. If Kansas City maintains this efficiency, they’ll be tough to beat, especially given their defense.
Mahomes may not be posting career-high stats, but with the Chiefs sitting at 7-0 after one of his best performances this season, no one in Chiefs Kingdom is complaining. If critics want to keep questioning him based on his overall stat line, they may end up disappointed. The Mahomes who showed up on Sunday looked ready to compete for a third straight Super Bowl. And if Hopkins settles in and the left tackle situation improves, the rest of the NFL should be on high alert.
