by While Patrick Mahomes undeniably deserves the spotlight for his dazzling throws and leadership, there’s a whole team behind his success that often goes unnoticed. Mahomes wouldn’t be able to operate at such a high level without the support and protection of those around him. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at some of the unsung architects that have helped Mahomes dominate on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Offensive Line
Let’s start with the big fellas up front – the offensive line. As the old saying goes, no quarterback can succeed without his offensive line. These five players are tasked with the unenviable job of blocking some of the fastest and strongest defenders in the league on every single play. Their ability to hold their blocks and give Mahomes precious seconds in the pocket is absolutely vital to his success.
Whether it’s protecting against speed rushers like Joey Bosa or powerhouses like Aaron Donald, the Chiefs’ offensive line has held its own against all comers. Led by veteran tackle Orlando Brown and All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, this group rarely allows pressure up the middle. They are physical run blockers as well, paving the way for the running game. This balanced attack keeps defenses honest.
More importantly, the line gives Mahomes the confidence to stand tall in the pocket and scan the field. He isn’t afraid to hold onto the ball because he trusts his linemen will hold their blocks. This allows his playmaking abilities to fully shine through. Without this protection, Mahomes would be running for his life on every snap and unable to pick defenses apart. The line deserves more credit for keeping #15 clean and enabling his success.
The Running Backs
While Mahomes puts up gaudy passing stats, the Chiefs have consistently had one of the best rushing attacks in the league as well. This balanced offense keeps defenses on their toes and opens up big plays in the passing game. Leading the way on the ground are Pro Bowler Clyde Edwards-Helaire and versatile backup Jerick McKinnon.
Edwards-Helaire is a dynamic do-it-all back who can break tackles between the tackles or make defenders miss out in space. His shiftiness creates mismatches that the Chiefs exploit. Meanwhile, McKinnon has breakaway speed in the open field and is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Together, they form a potent one-two punch.
When either back is effectively running the ball, it forces defenses to respect the run. This in turn makes Mahomes’ play-action fakes that much more believable. Linebackers and safeties are caught hesitating for a split-second as they read run or pass, which is all the time Mahomes needs to find an open receiver. The threat of the run also compels defenses to keep an extra man in the box, opening up more single coverage opportunities on the outside that Mahomes feasts on.
The running backs are a key part of keeping the Kansas City offense balanced and unpredictable. Their contributions don’t show up directly in Mahomes’ stats, but they are undoubtedly helping clear space for him to operate.
The Other Wide Receivers
While Travis Kelce is rightfully considered one of the best tight ends in the league and Mahomes’ favorite target, he isn’t the only weapon on the outside. Wide receivers like Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, and Juju Smith-Schuster are incredibly talented in their own right and command plenty of attention from defenses.
Hill in particular is one of the fastest players in the NFL. His ability to take the top off any defense with his blazing speed stretches the field vertically and opens up underneath routes for others. Safeties are terrified of getting beat deep, so they play off the line of scrimmage – creating more space. Hardman and Smith-Schuster are equally dangerous after the catch.
With so many speedy playmakers to account for, defenses can’t simply double or triple team Kelce. They have to respect the other receivers’ abilities, which in turn creates more one-on-one matchups that Mahomes loves to exploit. Even if the primary target is covered, one of these speedsters is likely to get loose for a big gain.
The receivers do the dirty work over the middle and on underneath routes too. They fight through press coverage at the line, pick up yards after contact, and move the chains on third downs. All of this keeps drives alive for Mahomes to work his magic later in the down. While their stats may lag behind Kelce’s at times, these receivers are essential cogs in the high-powered Kansas City offense.
The Coaching Staff
No quarterback, no matter how talented, succeeds in the NFL without strong coaching. For Mahomes, he has one of the best offensive minds in the business in coordinator Eric Bieniemy designing his gameplans. Bieniemy perfectly caters the scheme around Mahomes’ dual-threat talents, emphasizing his strengths like pre-snap adjustments, extending plays, and pushing the ball downfield.
Position coaches like Greg Lewis (WRs) and Tom Melvin (OL) are also invaluable in developing the skills of the players around Mahomes. They refine techniques, install assignments, and ensure everyone understands their roles. Come gameday, the coordination and execution is seamless because of the coaching staff’s preparation.
Head coach Andy Reid also deserves praise. His experience and playbook are second to none in the league. Reid empowers his coordinators and players, fostering a creative environment where Mahomes can truly shine in a quarterback-friendly system. The combination of Reid, Bieniemy, and the position coaches have helped take this offense to new heights.
While the players get the glory on Sundays, none of it would be possible without the coaching and schemes designed specifically for Mahomes. His talents are maximized because of the staff around him.
The Offensive Scheme
Speaking of schemes, the offensive system installed in Kansas City perfectly accentuates Mahomes’ rare abilities. He is given full control to change plays at the line of scrimmage based on the defensive look. Pre-snap adjustments and hot route audibles allow Mahomes to identify mismatches before the snap.
The scheme also emphasizes stretching the field both vertically and horizontally. Deep play-action passes that test the limits of defenses are a staple. At the same time, quick screens and slants move the ball laterally and keep linebackers guessing. With so many options, Mahomes routinely has the defense off-balance before the ball is even hiked.
Mobility is another key feature. Rolling pockets and designed QB runs utilize Mahomes’ athleticism when the initial play breaks down. He extends many plays with his legs, either running for yardage or buying extra time to launch a deep ball. Defenses can never feel comfortable getting home for a sack.
Few quarterbacks are afforded the same level of freedom and flexibility at the line of scrimmage that Mahomes enjoys. But it’s a necessity in Kansas City given his unique talents. The scheme puts no restraints on his improvisational, backyard style of play. In return, Mahomes consistently delivers highlight-reel plays that few could even dream of attempting, let alone executing with such frequency and success.
Conclusion
As is evident from the examples above, Patrick Mahomes does not operate in a vacuum on the football field. While his otherworldly arm talent and clutch playmaking deserve immense praise, an entire supporting cast enables his dominance on a weekly basis. From the offensive line shielding him in the pocket to the skill players stretching defenses, Mahomes benefits greatly from those around him.
The coaching staff and scheme are also tailored specifically for his dual-threat talents. Nothing is left to chance – every aspect of the Kansas City offense complements what Mahomes does best. While the spotlight shines brightest on the quarterback himself, these unsung contributors undoubtedly play a major role in the Chiefs’ sustained success. Team football is the ultimate truth, and behind every great quarterback is a whole team architecting ways for him to excel.
