TL;DR
- * Patrick Mahomes is running more this season, averaging 35 rushing yards per game.
- * Mahomes' increased rushing effectiveness is a new challenge for the Buffalo Bills.
- * His mobility allows him to protect himself and preserve the Chiefs' offense.
- * Mahomes might use his legs more than his arm against the Bills.
As if Patrick Mahomes wasn't dangerous enough.
This season, the Kansas City Chiefs' QB is running more than he ever has.
Mahomes enters the massive Week 9 clash against the Buffalo Bills with an average of 35 rushing yards per game. That's more than 10 yards clear of any other seasonal average he's had in his career.
That's gone down just a bit in recent weeks with Rashee Rice back, but Mahomes is still an active runner.
This is a fascinating turn of events, as typically it seems Bills quarterback Josh Allen is expected to be the primary runner when these teams compete.
This time around, it could be Mahomes.
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They're back-breaking runs, too.
When Mahomes runs, he almost always gets where he wants to get to. He's so knowledgeable about the game that he won't attempt a run for the first-down marker unless he's certain he can reach it.
Mahomes is faster than you think, but he's not blazing quick. He's just effective.
This is a consistently challenging aspect of offenses. Coaches aim to protect their quarterback from injury, particularly a player as vital as Mahomes.
Simultaneously, they aim to preserve the running game, and Mahomes has developed over time the ability to do so with his mobility.
While a potential January rematch between the Chiefs and Bills looms, their November 2nd encounter is already generating significant buzz.
Don't be surprised if Mahomes uses his legs, rather than his arm, to challenge Buffalo in a crucial moment or two.
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