The Kansas City Chiefs remain unbeaten at 6-0, yet something feels off with Patrick Mahomes. The two-time MVP is putting up stats that resemble a journeyman more than the superstar we’ve come to know. Two interceptions and no touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers brought his season totals to six TDs and eight picks, a stat line not usually associated with Mahomes’ brilliance. However, the Chiefs keep winning, as their defense and special teams continue to shine.
Mahomes’ Uncharacteristic Struggles
Mahomes is self-aware. “There’s been a lot of turnovers, especially by me,” he admitted after the 28-18 win over the 49ers. His two interceptions on Sunday included a deflected pass and another mishap when rookie receiver Xavier Worthy tripped. Despite the uncharacteristic mistakes, Mahomes pointed out that the team’s ability to win without his usual brilliance shows the Chiefs’ versatility.
The star quarterback acknowledged that it’s not just about the “light show” of passing touchdowns anymore. It’s about playing as a team, with each unit stepping up when needed. The Chiefs’ defense came up big, intercepting 49ers QB Brock Purdy three times. Special teams delivered, too, with Mecole Hardman’s 55-yard punt return setting up a crucial touchdown. Mahomes sees this as the broader strength of the team, one not reliant on his arm alone.
The Chiefs’ Defense Carries the Day
The Chiefs’ defensive unit has been stellar, holding the 49ers to just 18 points. Purdy’s three interceptions were a key to the victory, and the defense’s ability to shut down offensive drives kept the pressure off Mahomes. The interceptions by Justin Reid, L’Jarius Sneed, and Trent McDuffie proved to be game-changers, keeping the Chiefs in control even as their offense sputtered.
Here’s a quick look at the defensive highlights:
- Justin Reid: Critical interception that halted the 49ers’ early momentum.
- L’Jarius Sneed: An interception in the third quarter to maintain the lead.
- Trent McDuffie: Sealed the game with a late interception in the fourth quarter.
The defense has been particularly effective in capitalizing on mistakes and getting the ball back to the offense. It’s a formula that’s kept them undefeated so far.
Ground Game Comes to the Rescue
On offense, the Chiefs turned to their rushing attack. Kansas City ran for 184 yards, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco leading the charge. In the absence of Mahomes’ usual aerial dominance, the run game has quietly carried much of the offensive load.
Pacheco, with his quick cuts and relentless drive, delivered 110 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Edwards-Helaire added 65 yards and a touchdown. The running game gave the Chiefs a balance that their offense desperately needed, especially with Mahomes struggling.
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire: 65 yards, 1 touchdown
- Isiah Pacheco: 110 yards, no touchdowns
Mahomes was quick to point out that his offensive struggles have made the running game more essential. “It’s not about the stats,” he reiterated. “It’s about finding ways to win.” That’s been the mantra in Kansas City this season, where the wins keep piling up despite his uncharacteristically average numbers.
A Lucky Bounce and a Physical Mahomes
Even when things go wrong, they seem to turn out right for Mahomes. One of his interceptions on Sunday was the result of a tipped pass, the other from a route gone wrong when Worthy tripped. While Mahomes accepts responsibility for his turnovers, he believes they are not indicative of poor decision-making—just bad luck.
Mahomes didn’t just stay in the pocket all game, though. Known for avoiding contact, he turned heads when he barreled into 49ers safety Malik Mustapha, knocking him down to score a rushing touchdown. When asked about the play, Mahomes laughed it off, crediting his “dad bod” for the collision. “I was just trying to absorb the contact and get in the end zone,” he said. “It just ended up looking good for me.”
The Road Ahead
Mahomes and the Chiefs are set to face tougher competition in the weeks ahead. While the defense continues to hold firm, the Chiefs will need Mahomes to find his rhythm if they hope to remain undefeated. The MVP quarterback is optimistic, though, suggesting the offensive woes will iron out. “I believe if we continue to work, we’ll get better offensively throwing the ball down the field,” Mahomes said, hinting that bigger games might be ahead.
However, he knows he needs to protect the ball better. “Too many interceptions,” he said flatly. “I’ve got to clean it up. In order for us to take another step, it’s about me taking care of the football.”
Until then, it’s the rest of the team—defense, special teams, and running backs—that’s carrying the weight for Kansas City. As long as Mahomes and the Chiefs find ways to win, the fans won’t mind too much. But make no mistake: everyone’s waiting for the day Mahomes returns to his MVP form.