Patrick Mahomes must feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback sees his favorite annual gift arriving right on schedule... a Week 9 date with the Buffalo Bills — a rivalry that has become must-see TV! It's a heavyweight title fight everyone circles on their calendar. But this year, Mahomes might have a little... tiny bit of extra swagger heading into Orchard Park. Something feels different in the air.
It turns out Mahomes has two new reasons to be licking his chops.
Rookie Bills CB Maxwell Harston Stirs the Pot with Patrick Mahomes
The first reason comes from rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston. The brash newcomer is not shying away from the moment, openly declaring his intentions for Sunday.
“The opportunity to be able to pick off Patrick Mahomes, that's all I'm looking forward to,” Hairston said, per Starcade Media. That is a bold statement for a player with one NFL game under his belt. It’s the kind of quote that can quickly find its way to the Kansas City locker room.
Do the Bills trust the speedy rookie Hairston in a major role? His 4.28 speed matches up well with Xavier Worthy; however, experience is the true test against a mind like head coach Andy Reid’s. Mahomes excels at exploiting mismatches and defensive confusion. A rookie’s first big test does not get any tougher than this. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' offense is finally clicking on all cylinders.
Hariston's comments are also bizarre since he only has 27 defensive snaps in one career game under his belt. In fact, he hasn't had an interception in a meaningful game since the ex-Kentucky defender picked off Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos on Sept. 21, 2024.
Shaq Thompson's Injury Opens Door for More Mahomes Mayhem
The second reason why Mahomes is likely excited involves a significant injury concern. Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson did not practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury before officially being ruled out on Friday.
Thompson is a veteran leader and their best coverage linebacker. His potential absence creates a major void in the middle of that Buffalo defense. This could be a devastating blow for a unit preparing for Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, while also leaving the middle of the field prime for Mahomes to dissect it with ease.
Thompson is the defensive signal-caller and a sure tackler. Without him, the Bills lose a critical component for containing Kansas City’s short-passing game. The Chiefs lead the league with 1,111 yards after the catch. Mahomes will undoubtedly look to target the middle of the field early and often if Thompson is sidelined.
Thompson's injury, combined with Hariston's comments, set up a perfect storm for the Chiefs' superstar. Mahomes thrives in these hostile environments. He has seen it all before. A confident rookie and a wounded defense are just more fuel for his fire. He will look to methodically dissect the Bills, testing Hairston’s confidence and exploiting any linebacker weakness.
By Sunday evening, tables will burn, wings will vanish, and either a rookie gets his dreams realized or Mahomes adds another chapter to the Buffalo blues. Either way, the echo of Hairston’s quote will soundtrack every Chiefs offensive snap.