Patrick Mahomes is tearing down great quarterback legacies before they can even start.
This isn’t about referees or bad calls; it’s about Mahomes, the standout quarterback in an era filled with incredible talent.
Today’s NFL showcases quarterbacks like never before, with a competitive field that seems richer than the days of legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Yet, even as Brady remains a benchmark for greatness, Mahomes is on a mission to close that gap.
Josh Allen, with his powerful arm reminiscent of John Elway and athleticism akin to Cam Newton, has yet to secure a Super Bowl appearance. The reason? Mahomes. Similarly, Lamar Jackson’s unique skills make him a standout, yet he too has not reached the Super Bowl stage. Once again, Mahomes stands in the way.
Jackson faces a consistent challenge, holding a 1-5 record against Mahomes. Allen, despite a regular-season edge of 4-1, has faltered in the playoffs, going 0-4 against Mahomes.
These records don’t capture the full narrative of their struggles against Mahomes.
Yet, one fact remains clear: Mahomes is the superior quarterback.
What’s more, he is carving out a legacy that may one day be considered greater.
This was once again evident in the Chiefs’ thrilling 32-29 victory over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game. Mahomes has now won nine consecutive playoff games, marking the second-longest streak in Super Bowl history. He also boasts an impressive 17 consecutive victories in one-possession games, the longest such streak in NFL history.
The Chiefs’ success in this game was not solely due to Mahomes. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo executed a brilliant strategy, leaving Allen confused during a critical fourth-down play. Despite his best efforts, Allen’s pass to Dalton Kincaid fell incomplete.
Did Mahomes play a role in that moment? Perhaps not directly.
Following that, the Chiefs effectively ran down the clock, highlighted by a key run from Isiah Pacheco and a crucial catch by Samaje Perine, who added significant yards after the catch.
Some may argue that Mahomes was not the focal point in the closing moments.
However, overlooking his contributions would be a mistake. Mahomes led a crucial drive that put his team in field-goal range, finishing the game with 245 passing yards, 43 rushing yards, and three touchdowns.
Most importantly, one must consider the bigger picture.
Mahomes embodies the essence of a champion. He consistently delivers when it matters most, displaying an unwavering drive to dominate the AFC landscape.
Even fans of the Chiefs may feel a twinge of sympathy for their rivals, particularly after witnessing Allen’s emotional postgame press conference.
Imagine the frustration: working hard throughout the regular season only to face setbacks in the playoffs.
How does Allen regain confidence after such a loss? Despite playing at a high level, he fell short in a game that presented a golden opportunity.
This is the reality for elite quarterbacks; they often thwart the aspirations of their peers.
They remain focused on their own victories, undeterred by the emotions of others.
Mahomes is diligently crafting a legacy that could redefine greatness. Much like Brady overshadowed Manning, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers, Mahomes is blocking his contemporaries in the AFC from reaching the pinnacle.
With 17 playoff wins, Mahomes trails only Brady, who has 21. He has three Super Bowl victories, and if he secures a fourth, he would tie Joe Montana and sit just behind Brady. A potential victory in Super Bowl LIX could also mark an unprecedented three-peat, solidifying Mahomes’ place in history.
However, the journey is far from over.
Mahomes must continue to build his legacy while facing off against the likes of Allen, Jackson, Joe Burrow, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jalen Hurts.
He is the NFL’s relentless competitor, steadily gaining strength with each win and every heartbreak inflicted on his opponents.
