Chiefs coaches unveil the extraordinary tale of Patrick Mahomes’ meteoric rise and astonishing growth as a quarterback during 2023 season

After securing their eighth consecutive AFC West title with a hard-fought 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17, Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes opened up in a surprisingly candid manner about his team’s performance this year.

In a post-game interview, the NFL’s poster boy delved into a deliberate strategy of playing smart, complementary football, aimed at enabling the Chiefs’ top-notch defense to position them for victories.

Ahead of Thursday’s practice session, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterbacks coach David Girardi provided insights into Mahomes’ evolving mindset, despite the challenges faced by the team’s offense throughout the season.

Girardi pointed out the changing defensive strategies employed against Mahomes, highlighting that it differs significantly from what he encountered in previous years. He emphasized how Mahomes has had to continually adapt to the evolving defensive tactics, showcasing his growth as a quarterback.

Nagy recalled witnessing Mahomes’ adaptability during the recent win against the Bengals. Despite an overall underwhelming offensive performance, there were fewer mistakes compared to previous games.

Mahomes demonstrated the ability to read the field, identifying situations where a play wasn’t viable, opting instead to take off and run or make the crucial decision to throw the ball away, preventing costly coverage sacks or turnovers. Nagy praised Mahomes’ understanding of the game and his ability to chip away at the opponent’s defense, even if it meant settling for field goals.

The early part of Mahomes’ career was marked by the threat of long touchdown passes at any moment, but adjustments by opposing defenses and the Chiefs’ current personnel have limited such big plays this season.

Girardi acknowledged Mahomes’ willingness to embrace check-down options, recognizing their importance in the evolving landscape of NFL defenses.

“This ongoing dialogue is crucial for us,” the coach emphasized. “We constantly assess how defenses are approaching us, and it’s a week-to-week evaluation.

Moreover, we keep an eye on the overarching trends of the season, adapting accordingly. The key message is efficiency with the ball – if the deep shot isn’t available, opting for the check-down.

It’s a continuous conversation that has evolved throughout the year.”

Both coaches stress that, even for the NFL’s premier quarterback, team success takes precedence, particularly with this season’s Kansas City defense being the driving force behind their victories.

“For Pat, it’s all about the desire to win,” Nagy reaffirmed, “and he possesses the intelligence to comprehend that each year is distinct.

This necessitates the ability to adjust, whether it’s the personnel, circumstances, or any other factors.

Every year presents unique challenges and nuances, affecting not just the offensive identity but also the team’s overall approach to winning.

We have an exceptional defense that excels at keeping opponents out of the end zone and contributing significantly to our success. So, we aim for the 40 or 45 points we’re accustomed to scoring, but we also recognize the importance of adapting our strategy over the course of a season.”

Girardi echoed Mahomes’ mindset, stating, “At the end of the day, Pat’s competitiveness shines through, and his ultimate goal is winning. We’ve achieved success and clinched the division title. From Pat’s perspective, it’s all about securing the victory.

Regardless of how we achieve it – whether through prolific passing or relying on the ground game – his unwavering focus remains on winning, and we’ve managed to accomplish just that.”

Kansas City's longest pass play of the season goes to Rashee Rice for 67 yards!

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During the game against the Bengals, Patrick Mahomes showcased the explosive potential of the Chiefs’ offense by connecting with rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice for a sensational 67-yard completion.

This highlight reel moment offered a glimpse of what the offense is capable of and serves as a stepping stone to address the season-long struggles with efficiency, according to Matt Nagy.

Nagy expressed his excitement about the remarkable pass and catch, describing it as a “great ball” and a “great catch in stride.” Such plays not only provide a sense of relief but also set the stage for increased effectiveness, especially in the red zone.

The Chiefs managed to produce four plays of over 35 yards in that game, signaling the potential they possess. The challenge now lies in replicating such performances on a more consistent basis.

While this season has presented challenges on the offensive side of the ball, Nagy remains optimistic about the Chiefs’ ability to dispel concerns and thrive in the playoffs.

He emphasized that the primary goal remains unchanged – scoring a substantial number of points, whether achieved by excelling on third downs, succeeding in the red zone, or maintaining ball security.

Regardless of the approach taken, the ultimate focus is on playing complementary football, and Nagy stressed that in the playoffs, the only thing that truly matters is securing the win, which will undoubtedly bring joy to everyone involved.