by Quarterbacks: Legends of the Position
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When Patrick Mahomes looks at the quarterback position, three players stand out as the legends he has studied and tried to learn from – Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Peyton Manning. Each brings a different skillset that Mahomes has incorporated into his own game to achieve unprecedented success at a young age.
Tom Brady has long been Mahomes’s idol due to his incredible longevity, leadership abilities, and competitive fire that has led him to seven Super Bowl titles over two decades in New England. What stands out most to Mahomes is Brady’s ability to elevate those around him and consistently find ways to win no matter the situation or opponent. Even at the age of 45, Brady continues to play at an elite level thanks to his meticulous preparation, precision in execution, and relentless will to succeed. Mahomes admires Brady’s commitment to taking care of his body and mind in order to extend his career, hoping to follow a similar path of sustained excellence deep into his 30s and beyond.
Aaron Rodgers is renowned for his otherworldly talent and improvisational skills, which have always impressed Mahomes. Few quarterbacks can extend plays and make off-platform throws look as effortless as Rodgers, who seems to defy physics with his combination of footwork, arm angle, and ball placement. Mahomes has studied Rodgers’s footwork extensively, analyzing how he is always moving and stepping into his throws to generate maximum velocity and accuracy. Even when the pocket breaks down or plays seem dead, Rodgers finds a way to make something happen with his unique ability to throw from any arm angle. His precision and creativity under pressure are traits Mahomes strives to emulate.
Peyton Manning was perhaps the smartest quarterback to ever play, whose cerebral approach to dissecting defenses left a lasting mark on Mahomes. Manning’s legendary work ethic and preparation stood out, as he would watch film for hours and essentially direct his teams’ offenses from under center. His attention to detail, recall of tendencies, and adjustments pre- and post-snap were ahead of his time. Mahomes has spent hours breaking down Manning’s tape to learn his methods of diagnosing coverages, hot reads, and manipulating safeties with his eyes. Manning’s ability to recall every situation and make the perfect read was almost computer-like in its efficiency. His influence can be seen in how Mahomes runs Kansas City’s advanced, option-based concepts with similar timing, accuracy and mental processing.
Wide Receivers: Dynamic Playmakers
When evaluating the wide receiver position, three players especially stand out to Mahomes for their dynamic playmaking skills – Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and Julio Jones. Each brings a unique physical talent and route-running ability that has shaped how Mahomes attacks defenses.
Tyreek Hill was Mahomes’s teammate in Kansas City and their chemistry was instantly evident, as Hill’s blazing speed created big plays all over the field. His long speed is nearly unmatched in the NFL, allowing Mahomes to simply lob the ball deep knowing Hill would run under it for a score. But Hill is more than just a straight-line burner, as his route-running nuance and ability to stop on a dime make him a nightmare in the short to intermediate areas too. Mahomes credits Hill for helping him push the limits of his arm strength and creativity, trusting that no ball was uncatchable for the “Cheetah.” Their connection led to historic production in 2018 and helped cement the Chiefs’ offensive identity.
Davante Adams is the textbook definition of a route-running technician, whose footwork, body control and ability to create separation are elite. Adams has a unique understanding of leverage, using his hands and angles to consistently win at the line and stem his routes. His short-area quickness allows him to stop and start without losing speed, befuddling defenders with his change of direction. Adams is a security blanket for any quarterback with his reliable hands and capacity to make contested catches look easy. Mahomes admires how Adams is always open, even when covered, through his mastery of the details of his position.
Julio Jones is the prototype of a big, physical wideout at 6’3″, 220 lbs yet moves like a smaller player. His combination of size, speed, leaping ability and toughness after the catch make him a nightmare matchup all over the field. Jones highpoints the ball better than anyone and has an incredible catch radius, adjusting his body to come down with balls that seem uncatchable. He is equally dangerous on screens, slants and go-routes with his long speed. Mahomes has seen Jones make so many plays through contact down the field and make defenders look silly trying to bring him down. His ability to take over games singlehandedly is something Mahomes strives for.
Tight Ends: Versatile Playmakers
At the tight end position, three players stand out most to Mahomes for their versatility and playmaking in both the passing and running game – Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller. Each brings unique athleticism and skills that have shaped how Mahomes utilizes tight ends.
Travis Kelce has been Mahomes’s security blanket in Kansas City, as their chemistry and understanding has led to historic production. Kelce is a tight end in name only, as his receiver-like skills in space create mismatches all over the field. His route-running is elite for any position, while his hands, size and athleticism make him a red zone monster. Kelce is equally dangerous on screens, slants and down the seam. But what stands out most is his and Mahomes’s mental connection, knowing each other’s tendencies and thinking ahead to the next read. Kelce is the ultimate safety valve and chain-mover.
George Kittle is the prototype of an uber-athletic tight end who is a menace in both phases of the game. His blocking is almost unparalleled at the position, yet he has the speed and moves of a wideout. Kittle is nearly impossible to bring down one-on-one with his power and leg drive. His catch radius and ability to make defenders miss in the open field create chunk plays. Mahomes admires Kittle’s toughness and willingness to do the dirty work as a blocker, while also being a dynamic receiving threat who can align anywhere.
Darren Waller’s combination of size, speed and body control is rare for any player, let alone a tight end. At 6’6″, 255 lbs, Waller moves like a smaller player yet has the strength to outmuscle defenders. His catch radius is immense due to his length and leaping ability. Waller is a matchup nightmare for any defense, able to beat linebackers and safeties down the seam while bullying cornerbacks at the line. His speed and size create instant separation on intermediate routes. Mahomes sees Waller as the prototype modern tight end with his skills to align out wide or in the slot and create explosive plays after the catch.
Running Backs: Dynamic Playmakers
When analyzing running backs, three stand out most to Mahomes for their versatility, explosiveness and ability to take over games – Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry and Alvin Kamara. Each brings unique skills that have shaped Mahomes’s approach.
Christian McCaffrey is the complete package as a do-it-all back who can line up anywhere and do anything asked of him. His vision, footwork and burst make him elite between the tackles, yet his receiver skills are on par with wideouts. McCaffrey is a matchup nightmare in the passing game due to his quickness, route-running and hands. His football IQ is also impressive, picking up blitzes and protections at a high level. Mahomes admires McCaffrey’s versatility, explosiveness and capacity to dominate all phases of the game like few backs in history.
Derrick Henry is the modern-day power back at 6’3″, 247 lbs yet moves like a smaller player. His combination of size, speed and tackle-breaking ability is nearly unmatched. Once Henry gets a full head of steam, it takes multiple defenders to bring him down as he simply runs through arm tackles. His long speed is also deceptive, as Henry has shown the ability to take screens and outside runs the distance. Mahomes has seen Henry control games singlehandedly with his physical running style and knack for explosive plays. His blend of power and pace is optimal in today’s NFL.
Alvin Kamara is the definition of a home-run threat with his elusiveness, vision and acceleration in the open field. At just 5’10”, 215 lbs, Kamara slips tackles through a mix of balance, jukes and wiggle unlike any back. He is equally dangerous in the screen game, on draws or taking handoffs for big plays. Kamara has a sixth sense for finding creases and creating out of nothing with his instincts. His hands and route-running are also special, making him a three-down weapon. Mahomes admires Kamara’s complete skillset and knack for game-changing plays that can alter momentum in an instant.
Other Influences: Coaches and Inspiration
Beyond players, two coaches and one quarterback have also influenced Mahomes’s development – Andy Reid, Brett Favre and Alex Smith.
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