SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Patrick Mahomes had an uncharacteristic game on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, throwing two interceptions, failing to connect for a touchdown, and ending with a passer rating lower than some speed limits in Silicon Valley. However, this performance made sense, considering that three of Mahomes’ key offensive weapons are sidelined with injuries, and his favorite target — a star tight end with a famous girlfriend — acknowledges he’s not as fast as he used to be.
So why was Mahomes smiling after such a shaky outing?
The simple answer: the Kansas City Chiefs are 6-0, having not lost a game since last Christmas. Mahomes, speaking from the visitors’ locker room at Levi’s Stadium, expressed confidence that the Chiefs, despite their struggles, haven’t reached their full potential yet. And as the team fights for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl win, Mahomes believes they will only get better.
On Sunday, they faced the 49ers, the same team they beat in overtime to win last year’s Super Bowl. This time, they dismantled them when it mattered most, winning 28-18. That performance hinted at what could be expected when the games become even more critical, and it’s why the two-time MVP remains optimistic.
“It was a battle — but it was fun,” Mahomes said an hour after the game. “We always have a good time, regardless. Sometimes it isn’t easy. But there’s always energy, and it’s always fun.”
If you’re tired of seeing the Chiefs celebrate under confetti, you might have enjoyed their early-season struggles. However, if you were hoping they’d buckle under the pressure of chasing a third consecutive title, there’s bad news. As All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones put it, “We’re gonna be so much better. There’s so much more we can do.”
Mahomes, who in his six seasons as a starter has won three Super Bowl rings and lost another to Tom Brady, is well-positioned to be in the mix again this January and February. At just 29, he’s already one of the NFL’s all-time greats, and his dominance shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite his earlier interceptions, Mahomes turned things around when it mattered most on Sunday, showing why he’s poised to lead the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl.
The 49ers had cut Kansas City’s lead to 14-12 late in the third quarter, and they needed a stop to gain momentum. But Mahomes, with the help of his veteran tight end Travis Kelce, took control. Kelce, now 35, is still a significant weapon despite losing some of the speed and agility that once made him a matchup nightmare for defenders.
“I’d be silly to say I was flying around out there like I was in my younger years,” Kelce admitted. “But I feel like I’m still helping my team win, and that’s all that really matters.”
On a crucial third-and-6, Kelce beat his defender, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, with a crafty route that earned a first down, extending the drive. His ability to find soft spots in coverage continues to be invaluable for Mahomes, who later praised Kelce’s intelligence on the field.
Two plays later, Mahomes himself made a play that left the crowd in awe. Escaping the pocket and dodging a diving linebacker, Mahomes dashed 33 yards down the sideline, setting up a Chiefs touchdown. It was the longest run of his career, and his teammates were quick to celebrate, with Jones joking, “Hey, it’s Dad Bod season.”
Despite the teasing, Mahomes proved that his physicality — even with a “Dad Bod” — can be a game-changer. On a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, he capped off the drive with a quarterback draw, running through contact to extend the Chiefs’ lead to 21-12.
The Chiefs’ defense, one of the league’s best units this season, sealed the game with a third interception of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Mahomes then orchestrated a 12-play, game-clinching touchdown drive, featuring 10 runs.
Say hello to the 2024 Chiefs, a team adjusting to life without injured stars Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco by playing a more old-school style of football. They’re not blowing out teams with 40-point performances, but they’re winning with consistency and tough defense.
“We’re not scoring 40 points anymore,” Jones said. “We’re running the ball consistently, and we’re playing tough and fast on defense.”
The Chiefs may not be dominating in the way fans are used to, but they’re still finding ways to win. And as the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team, they’re determined to improve — which could be a scary thought for the rest of the league.
“If we win games, nothing else matters,” said Kelce, who gained only 17 yards on his four receptions. “I’m gonna go into the film room and I’m gonna figure out ways to get better. I’m gonna be honest with myself and tell myself this wasn’t my best performance, and I’m gonna keep trying to find ways to improve. It’s a mentality and a routine that Coach Reid sets. He’s never satisfied until we’re raising that trophy in the end.”
Based on past experiences, that’s what Mahomes expects to happen. In the meantime, he’s confronting his and his teammates’ imperfections head-on — and having a lot of fun in the process.
“It’s really about eliminating mistakes,” Mahomes said as he grabbed his roller bag and prepared to walk to the team buses. Then, referencing an overthrown deep ball to rookie speedster Xavier Worthy on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, he added, “It’s just the little things. I missed that one to Xavier. I’ve got to clean that up.”
If he does, there’s a very legitimate chance this very special quarterback will be smudging up a Lombardi Trophy for the third consecutive year.
(Top photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
