For every football fan, there’s that one player—one quarterback—who becomes more than just a name on the roster. They become a symbol of the game itself, a player whose presence on the field transcends mere athleticism and speaks to the very soul of what football is all about. For me, that quarterback is none other than Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Watching him play is like witnessing poetry in motion—a masterclass in quarterback play that leaves spectators in awe and opposing defenses wondering how they were torn apart so effortlessly.
To say Mahomes is just a quarterback does not do him justice. He is an artist with a football, a maestro who directs his offense with the precision and creativity of a composer writing a symphony. But it’s not just the statistics or the accolades that make him special; it’s the moments of magic that he conjures up in real time. The jaw-dropping throws, the improbable comebacks, the sheer will to win—it all blends together to create a style of play that, as a fan, feels like you’re watching something uniquely beautiful unfold before your eyes.
In this piece, I want to dive into what makes Patrick Mahomes not just a favorite of mine, but an all-time great who has redefined the quarterback position. We’ll break down his remarkable ability to dismantle defenses and explore how his style of play has set a new standard for future generations of quarterbacks.
The Early Days: A Glimpse of Greatness
It didn’t take long for the NFL to realize that Patrick Mahomes was something special. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Mahomes immediately flashed the potential to be a game-changing quarterback. However, it wasn’t until he took over as the starting quarterback in 2018 that the league truly saw his greatness begin to unfold.
In just his first season as a starter, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns—becoming just the second quarterback in NFL history to do so. His performance that year not only earned him the NFL MVP award, but also sent a message to the rest of the league: Mahomes was here to stay, and he was going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The world watched in awe as Mahomes orchestrated a high-flying Chiefs offense that was nothing short of electric. Whether he was throwing 60-yard bombs to Tyreek Hill, evading would-be tacklers in the pocket, or threading passes through tight windows, Mahomes had a way of making even the most difficult plays seem easy. His natural ability to read defenses, combined with his strong arm and off-schedule playmaking, was something fans had rarely seen before. With every highlight, it became more apparent that Mahomes wasn’t just good—he was revolutionizing the position.
The Art of the Impossible Throw
Mahomes’ ability to dismantle defenses comes down to his unrivaled ability to make throws that no one else in the NFL—perhaps no one else in the history of the game—could dream of making. His arm strength and accuracy are simply off the charts. But it’s his creativity that truly sets him apart. Mahomes is the quarterback who doesn’t just make the standard pass; he makes the throw that should be impossible—yet, somehow, makes it look effortless.
Consider the no-look pass, one of Mahomes’ signature moves. It’s a play that defies convention. Most quarterbacks are taught to keep their eyes locked on their target, reading the defense and making the appropriate throw. Mahomes, however, has made a name for himself by throwing passes without even looking at his receiver. Whether it’s a quick slant to the middle of the field or a deep ball to the sideline, Mahomes has an uncanny ability to throw the ball to where it needs to be—without even having to look at his target.
Then, there’s the sidearm delivery, another hallmark of Mahomes’ unique style. When Mahomes is in the pocket and there’s a defender in his face, instead of stepping up and delivering a pass over the top, he’ll often drop his arm and sling the ball out at a sharp angle. This allows him to avoid the rush while still delivering an accurate, powerful throw.
Perhaps the most iconic of all Mahomes’ throws, however, is the “no-look” touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. On a play where Mahomes was rolling to his right and had multiple defenders closing in, he turned his body, looked to his left, and threw a dart to Travis Kelce in the end zone—all without ever looking at his intended target. The throw was a perfect example of Mahomes’ natural ability to improvise, his vision of the field, and his absolute mastery over the mechanics of passing. This wasn’t just a touchdown—it was an artistic statement that encapsulated everything that makes Mahomes so special.
Mahomes’ ability to make these seemingly impossible throws consistently has led to some of the most exciting and jaw-dropping moments in modern football. He has truly redefined what a quarterback can do, and as a result, defenses often find themselves helpless against his creative genius. When Mahomes is on the field, it feels as though no lead is safe, no defense can be trusted, and anything is possible.
The Thrill of the Comeback: Clutch Performance
What sets Mahomes apart from many of his peers is not just his ability to make incredible throws, but his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Mahomes has built a reputation as one of the most clutch quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen, particularly in high-pressure situations like the playoffs. His willingness and ability to perform under pressure has been nothing short of spectacular, and it’s one of the key reasons he’s become my all-time favorite quarterback.
Perhaps the most memorable moment in Mahomes’ career came during Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers. With the Chiefs down by 10 points with just over six minutes remaining in the game, Mahomes didn’t panic. Instead, he calmly led the Chiefs to 21 unanswered points to secure a 31-20 victory, capturing his first Super Bowl MVP. The ability to perform in the clutch moments, especially after struggling earlier in the game, highlighted the mental fortitude Mahomes possesses—something that is just as important as his physical abilities.
His career is littered with other clutch performances. Whether it’s orchestrating a game-winning drive in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills or coming back from a 24-0 deficit against the Houston Texans, Mahomes has shown time and time again that he thrives when the game is on the line. His ability to stay cool, calm, and collected under the brightest lights is what makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. It is precisely in these moments that his poise, leadership, and fearlessness truly shine.
Watching Mahomes lead these comeback drives is like watching a magician work his craft. He never looks rattled. He trusts his abilities, his teammates, and the process, and the result is a quarterback who thrives in the most pressure-filled moments. In many ways, Mahomes has become the epitome of the modern quarterback—someone who can make every throw and deliver when it matters most.
Redefining the Quarterback Position
One of the most fascinating aspects of Patrick Mahomes’ game is how he has redefined what it means to be a quarterback. Gone are the days when quarterbacks were expected to be statuesque pocket passers with limited mobility. Mahomes’ ability to move around the pocket, extend plays with his legs, and make throws from any angle has set a new precedent for what quarterbacks can do.
In addition to his athleticism, Mahomes has also revolutionized the use of RPOs (run-pass options) and motion in the modern offense. Where once quarterbacks were expected to run a traditional drop-back style of offense, Mahomes has shown how to manipulate the defense by using misdirection, quick thinking, and his remarkable athleticism. These innovations have forced defensive coordinators to rethink how they defend the quarterback position.
Mahomes’ unique playing style has also made him an ideal fit for Andy Reid’s innovative offensive system. Under Reid’s guidance, Mahomes has flourished in an offense that embraces speed, creativity, and versatility. The combination of Mahomes’ raw talent and Reid’s offensive genius has led to a football partnership that has turned the Chiefs into a perennial powerhouse.