Since Patrick Mahomes became the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, the team has been a juggernaut, rewriting the NFL’s definition of dominance. With three Super Bowl titles and a perennial contender status, it’s easy to dismiss any hint of decline. Yet, beneath the surface of their 2024 success lies a surprising truth: the Chiefs’ offense, once a relentless machine, has shown cracks. But don’t be fooled—these “down” years and a jaw-dropping Mahomes stat from last season point to a 2025 redemption arc that could leave the NFL reeling.
A Lucky—but Elite—2024
The Chiefs were among the NFL’s luckiest teams in 2024, thriving in one-score games. Their mastery of situational football—offense, defense, and special teams—has been unmatched, punishing opponents who falter in critical moments. But luck alone doesn’t explain their success. To consistently win tight games, you need greatness, and Kansas City has that in spades. Still, the offense hasn’t been the same explosive unit fans grew accustomed to from 2018 to 2022.
For two straight seasons, the Chiefs ranked a shocking 15th in the NFL in scoring offense. Gone are the days of effortless 40-point outbursts. Even their 2022 campaign, the first without Tyreek Hill, was a triumph, with Mahomes and Andy Reid adapting brilliantly. But the last two years have exposed vulnerabilities, forcing the Chiefs to lean on their defense and Mahomes’ clutch gene to stay atop the league.
The Mahomes Stat That Stunned the NFL
If the Chiefs’ middling scoring rank wasn’t surprising enough, brace yourself for a Patrick Mahomes stat that hasn’t been seen in 20 years. Last season, no quarterback targeted players at or behind the line of scrimmage more than Mahomes. This isn’t just a quirky footnote—it’s a symptom of deeper issues that plagued Kansas City’s offense in 2024.
30.8% of Patrick Mahomes pass attempts targeted players at or behind the line of scrimmage last year
#1 highest rate for any QB in a season since at least 2005
*min 400 attempts pic.twitter.com/Wf9eWmNRkA
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 23, 2025
Three factors drove this unprecedented trend. First, injuries decimated the Chiefs’ receiving corps, leaving Mahomes with a patchwork group of pass-catchers, many learning Reid’s complex offense on the fly. Second, Reid’s system leans heavily on the quick passing game as an extension of the run game, prioritizing yards after the catch. Third, and most alarmingly, Kansas City’s pass protection crumbled at times, forcing Mahomes to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid pressure.
This reliance on short passes led to an unintended consequence: Mahomes posted the highest interception rate of his career over a two-year stretch. Despite his efforts to push the ball downfield, the lack of reliable targets and shaky protection stifled the deep shots that once defined his game. Yet, even in this “down” year, Mahomes orchestrated five fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives, cementing his status as the NFL’s ultimate closer.
Why 2025 Could Be Mahomes’ Revenge Tour
The Chiefs’ offensive struggles are real, but they’re far from insurmountable. Kansas City’s brain trust—Reid, Mahomes, and GM Brett Veach—has a proven track record of adapting and evolving. The team’s 2024 success, despite offensive woes, proves their resilience. Now, imagine what happens when they fix the cracks.
The Chiefs must prioritize two areas: pass protection and receiver reliability. A bolstered offensive line could give Mahomes the time he needs to rediscover his downfield magic. Meanwhile, young receivers like Xavier Worthy, paired with a healthy Hollywood Brown or a savvy veteran addition, could stretch defenses thin. Kansas City’s knack for targeting skill players who thrive after the catch remains a lethal weapon, especially if Reid refines the scheme to balance quick passes with deep shots.
Mahomes, still in his prime at 29, is too talented to stay bottled up. His ability to win in multiple ways—whether dinking and dunking or airing it out—makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Last season’s struggles only highlight his greatness: even when the offense sputtered, he delivered in the clutch. A fully unleashed Mahomes in 2025, with a retooled supporting cast, could produce a season that rivals his 2018 MVP campaign.
The NFL Should Be on Notice
The Chiefs’ dynasty isn’t fading—it’s reloading. The hidden numbers behind their “down” year reveal a team that won despite offensive challenges, thanks to Mahomes’ brilliance and Reid’s genius. As Kansas City addresses its weaknesses, the rest of the NFL should brace for impact. A 2025 explosion from Mahomes and the Chiefs could redefine dominance, proving once again that betting against No. 15 is a fool’s errand.