Patrick Mahomes is one of the most electric quarterbacks that the NFL has seen in a while. His ability to extend plays and make something out of seemingly nothing – a skill that most quarterbacks dream of having – is one of the things that makes Mahomes so special, and he displayed that ability this past Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"The NFL has not seen anything like Patrick Mahomes, I promise you that," said tight end Travis Kelce. "He's the Houdini of our era. The guy just finds ways to make plays – just willing our team into the end zone and willing our team to win. That is our ultimate leader."
Mahomes is a talent that stands alone on the football field. His creativity and football IQ are traits that allow him to make the incredible plays that he makes, and those traits also give him the ability to extend plays past what is fathomable to fans and coaches.
"They are special," said Head Coach Andy Reid on Mahomes' amazing plays. "Appreciate them because it's unique, so enjoy every one of them. It's not something that a lot of people have that advantage of being a part of."
With 23 seasons as a head coach under his belt, Coach Reid knows when he is witnessing something special. Players like Mahomes do not come around too often, so it's important to just sit back and watch in awe sometimes.
One aspect of Mahomes' impeccable plays – and one that would be a shame to go unnoticed – is his chemistry with his receivers. The Chiefs' pass-catchers understand that they need to be ready to make a catch at any point on a play. That is true whether the ball is being floated over a defender, like we saw this past Sunday, or if Mahomes isn't even looking at the receiver he is going to throw to.
We have seen Mahomes make sidearm throws, no-look passes and, as of last Sunday, what looked to be something like a basketball lob. So, respect needs to be paid not only to Mahomes, but also to his receivers for focusing and working throughout each play.
There is nothing better than having a quarterback who can make passes that split the defense. Mahomes can do that and more, which he has proven time and time again. The only question is what he'll show the crowd next time.
"It's not like I'm planning these things," said Mahomes. "I'm a competitor. I'm going to find whatever way I can to make our team have success."
At the end of the day, Mahomes is just a fierce competitor who wants to win, and just when you think Mahomes has shown everything he is capable of, he finds a way to impress you even more. That combination of creativity and athleticism keeps fans, coaches and players on their toes. What magic will he show next, and when?
