How Patrick Mahomes Improved This Underrated Part of His Game

Patrick Mahomes has always been one of the league's best with his arm, but now he's taken his game to a new level by dissecting teams with his legs too.

After rushing seven times for 51 yards to seal the win against the Jets, Mahomes now has at least 28 rushing yards in every game while showing an increased willingness to take off from the pocket instead of forcing a throw.

This new element of his attack changes what defenses can do, and raises the ceiling of the Chiefs as a whole. Once the passing attack shakes off the rust and finds some dependable playmaking from the receiving group, the rest of the league is in trouble.

Patrick Mahomes Rushing Attack

We've seen plenty of iconic Mahomes plays on the ground, from clinching last year's Super Bowl and AFC Championship games to the touchdown scramble against the Titans several years ago, but he's trusting his legs more this season than normal.

It's hard to argue with the results.

He's always been a capable runner, but a combination of factors highlighted by a lack of trust in the receivers is forcing his hand.

Mahomes' career-high in rushing yards is 381, though he had 358 last year as well. Averaging 38.5 yards per game so far, he's on pace for a whopping 654.5 yards this season! That'd obviously demolish his previous high and represents a completely new style of play for the two-time MVP.

He's a master at manipulating the defense down field until there's just enough space to take off, though the Chiefs' quality offensive live certainly helps matters.

With a relatively light schedule the next several weeks, I'm excited to see if Mahomes keeps running. Alongside Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City's ground game could be stronger than its aerial one. At the least, Mahomes' rushing ability represents a new element that defenses have to take seriously moving forward.

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