In recent years, most NFL executives, fans, and members of the media have agreed that Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are the two best quarterbacks in the game, regardless of who's No. 1 and who's No. 2.
That's why watching Mahomes cede the top spot in ESPN's annual survey wasn't much of a surprise. For the first time in three years, the Kansas City Chiefs' star sits one spot below his Buffalo Bills' counterpart.
Even so, Mahomes being ranked as low as No. 9 among quarterbacks, plus some of the quotes ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler gathered when putting together the article, certainly leaves a bitter taste in Chiefs fans' mouths.
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Even coming off a couple of down years by his standards, the fact that Mahomes is still considered either the best or second-best quarterback in the game is a testament to his greatness. Nevertheless, it's also an indictment of the poor job the front office has done in giving him enough help.
Mahomes' critics argue that he does way too much and forces the big play instead of just hitting some layups to keep the offense in a groove. Perhaps he wouldn't have to do all that if the offensive line could block and the wide receivers could get open. Having some sort of running game would also help, for sure:
"Mahomes struggled even before the injury last year -- held the ball too long and forced throws when it wasn't necessary," said an NFL defensive coach. "Still has a tendency to chase the big play instead of keeping the offense on schedule." Even so, the anonymous coach added, "If they don't have him, they win three games, tops [last year]."
With Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado in town and Eric Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs should be able to take some pressure off his shoulders for the first time in years. He's coming off a major injury and might not be as mobile as he once was.
Mahomes accomplished so much in so little time that fans and the media grew used to watching him dominate like few quarterbacks before. The bar is much higher for a player like him, and even with everything stacking up against the three-time Super Bowl MVP, some still know what he's capable of and refuse to sleep on him.
All in all, this survey shows what the fans had already been thinking. The front office and the coaching staff aren't doing their superstar any favors, and Mahomes is leading the team to wins in spite of them, not thanks to them:
"He still puts fear in people like no other quarterback -- gives you a shot in every game," an NFL quarterbacks coach said. "His skill set, combined with his will to win, puts him at the top."
They ought to do right by the greatest player in franchise history and one of the most talented quarterbacks of all time. People still believe in Patrick Mahomes, but as crazy as it may sound after everything he's accomplished, he is still hungry as ever to win another Lombardi Trophy.
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