Patrick Mahomes has redefined what it means to be a quarterback in the NFL. At just 29 years old, he’s already hoisted three Super Bowl trophies, claimed three Super Bowl MVP awards, and secured two league MVP honors. His resume screams greatness, with a flair for the dramatic and a knack for delivering in the clutch that has cemented him as the face of the NFL’s new era. Yet, despite his glittering accolades, a single Super Bowl loss in 2024 has cracked open the door for doubters to question his throne—and the name casting the largest shadow? Josh Allen.
Yes, Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills’ quarterback has become the lightning rod in a debate that’s left the NFL world buzzing. NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce recently fanned the flames, boldly declaring on a talk show that Allen—and even Lamar Jackson—should now be ranked above Mahomes. “I know Mahomes got him to a Super Bowl, but this Kansas City Chiefs team was built around their defense,” Pierce argued. “They carried him through the regular season and to the Super Bowl.” It’s a take that’s as audacious as it is divisive, especially when you consider Mahomes’ track record.
Pierce’s argument hinges on the “what have you done for me lately?” philosophy, pointing to the 2024 regular season as his evidence. Statistically, Josh Allen was a force of nature. He completed his fifth consecutive season with 40+ total touchdowns—an NFL record—and showcased the kind of dual-threat dominance that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. Lamar Jackson, too, had a career-defining year, leading the league with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a mere 4 interceptions. Their numbers were gaudy, their highlights electric, and their impact undeniable.
By contrast, Mahomes’ 2024 was, by his own lofty standards, a “down year.” He threw a career-low 26 touchdowns, a figure that would be a career-high for most quarterbacks. Yet, even in this so-called slump, Mahomes piloted the Chiefs to yet another Super Bowl appearance. That’s the Mahomes paradox: even when he’s not breaking the stat sheet, he’s breaking his opponents’ spirits in February.
Pierce didn’t stop at elevating Allen. “I wouldn’t even have Mahomes number two,” he doubled down. “I’m putting Lamar right there. I’m putting Allen, Lamar. This is based on last year.” It’s a statement that’s sparked heated debates across sports bars and social media, with fans and analysts alike grappling with the idea that Mahomes, the king of clutch, could be dethroned by regular-season stat-stuffers.
Here’s where the argument starts to fray. While Allen and Jackson have dazzled in September through December, the postseason is where Mahomes transforms into a legend. Allen, for all his brilliance, holds an unwanted record: 13 playoff starts without a Super Bowl appearance. Jackson, despite his two MVP awards, has yet to reach the big game. Mahomes? He’s been to four Super Bowls in seven seasons as a starter, winning three and earning MVP honors in each victory. His postseason stat line reads like a video game: clutch comebacks, impossible throws, and a knack for bending the biggest moments to his will.
The 2024 Super Bowl loss doesn’t erase that. If anything, it highlights Mahomes’ ability to drag a team—yes, one bolstered by a stellar defense—to the precipice of glory, even when his offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. Critics like Pierce point to Kansas City’s defense as the unsung hero, but Mahomes’ leadership, poise, and ability to make game-changing plays under pressure are the heartbeat of the Chiefs’ dynasty.
The NFL is a league obsessed with the present, where a single season can spark a frenzy of hot takes. Allen and Jackson’s 2024 campaigns were spectacular, no question. Allen’s arm strength and mobility make him a one-man wrecking crew, and Jackson’s efficiency and playmaking are unmatched in their own right. But greatness isn’t just about piling up stats in the regular season—it’s about rising to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
Mahomes has done that time and again. His three Super Bowl rings, three Super Bowl MVPs, and two league MVPs aren’t just numbers—they’re proof of a quarterback who thrives when the spotlight burns brightest. From his no-look passes to his fourth-quarter heroics, Mahomes has built a legacy not on flash, but on results. While Allen and Jackson chase their first Super Bowl, Mahomes is already building a case to be mentioned alongside Tom Brady and Joe Montana.
So why does the NFL world seem shocked that Allen’s shadow looms so large? It’s the allure of the new. Allen’s record-breaking touchdown streak and Jackson’s statistical dominance are fresh, shiny, and easy to hype. Mahomes, meanwhile, is a victim of his own success—his brilliance is almost taken for granted. A “down year” for him is still a Super Bowl run, but the narrative has shifted to the next big thing.
Pierce’s comments, while controversial, tap into a broader truth: the NFL loves a new king. But Mahomes isn’t ready to relinquish his crown. His playoff pedigree, leadership, and ability to win when it matters most keep him a cut above. The debate over Allen and Jackson will rage on, but until they match Mahomes’ postseason magic, they’re chasing a shadow of their own—one cast by a quarterback who’s already redefined the game.