Patrick Mahomes' Early Season Slump: Chiefs Concerns Amid Undefeated Start

Despite the Kansas City Chiefs' undefeated 4-0 start, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been in a bit of a rut, leading to some concern. Mahomes has thrown for six touchdowns and five interceptions while completing just 60.5% of his passes.

Patrick Mahomes, the two-time MVP, has been in a bit of a rut, with his play raising concerns despite the Kansas City Chiefs' undefeated 4-0 start.

Mahomes has passed for 904 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in the first four games, with Kansas City winning each game by a narrow margin. His 226 passing yards per game is the 11th-best mark in the league, while his 89.7 passer rating is 18th.

Patrick Mahomes' Early Season Slump: Chiefs Concerns Amid Undefeated Start

The quarterback, known for his exceptional arm talent and improvisational skills, has attributed his struggles to overthinking and losing the instinctive play style that characterized his early seasons.

"There's some points now where you almost know too much," Mahomes told reporters. "When I was younger, I would just cut it loose...And now there are times where I'm like, 'Well, they're supposed to be in this coverage and that's not supposed to be there,' and it is."

Mahomes' cautious play hasn't cost the Chiefs a game yet, but it nearly has in each game. His 151-yard day against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 was the fewest amount of yards he's thrown in a game in his career where he didn't prematurely leave due to injury.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid remains optimistic about his quarterback, advising him to "keep firing." However, the team has been hit hard by injuries at the wide receiver position, with standout receiver Rashee Rice potentially out for the season due to a knee injury.

Defenses around the league have also adjusted their coverages in recent seasons, making it more difficult for Mahomes to take consistent deep shots. The Chiefs have had to rely more on intermediate throws, which Mahomes admits isn't as enjoyable.

"It's not as fun," Mahomes said. "You're not going to see a lot of one-play touchdowns unless you hit, like, a crazy shot."

Despite Mahomes' struggles, the Chiefs remain confident that they can win a Super Bowl with him at the helm. They did so just last year, with Mahomes having the worst statistical year in his six years as Kansas City's starting quarterback.

"He wants to do well, he is that kind of guy," Reid said. "Always in the building and that kind of deal. He grew up in a locker room so he's always around. You don't get the whole ego thing in there. He just wants to know the whys, where guys are and how he can make it better."