For years, Kansas City Chiefs' detractors have predicted the dynasty's downfall. Year in and year out, they talk themselves into believing that this time, Andy Reid's team will finally crumble and struggle to return to the mountaintop.
Time and time again, that prediction has been wrong. Even last season, when they finally missed the playoffs, it may not have been the beginning of the end, as some naysayers claimed. And Patrick Mahomes is showing just why.
Following a rather modest debut in Week 1 statistically, the future Hall of Famer put on his gunslinger cape in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Not only did Mahomes outduel Daniel Jones in this quarterback matchup, but he also showed that he's officially back.
The best version of Patrick Mahomes is back for the Kansas City Chiefs
Unlike in Week 1, Mahomes pushed the ball downfield all game on Sunday night. There weren't as many checkdowns and quick-hitters, perhaps thanks to the Colts' rather bland pass rush, but he also got into a rhythm and started trusting his surgically repaired leg a bit more to plant on it.
Daniel Jones also had a pretty solid game. Per Next Gen Stats, only six of his 22 completions were behind the line of scrimmage. Also, in his second game after a major injury, he made some big throws under pressure to keep the offense on the field, though to no avail.
Eric Bieniemy is already working wonders for Mahomes and the offense. They finally have a legitimate workhorse running back, with Kenneth Walker becoming the first Chiefs 100-yard rusher in back-to-back games since Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2021.
That inevitably forces opposing defenses to make adjustments, account for the running game as well, and pick their poison. The result? Consecutive 30+ point performances, just as if Coach Bieniemy had never left in the first place.
Mahomes made some big plays in the season opener, especially on that opening drive, which he capped off with a diving scramble for a score. But he was much more surgical and methodical on this one, finishing the game with 32 completions on 47 attempts for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Some doubters will never learn that going against Mahomes and the Chiefs has rarely been a lucrative bet. The naysayers will continue to root for his downfall even more than they root for their own team's fortune. And if Week 2 reminded everyone of something, it is that Patrick Mahomes is still the top dog in this game.
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