Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has made a habit of always coming through in the clutch during his NFL career, to the point where, at times, it's an automatic thought to think Mahomes will get his team over the line.
It doesn't always work, however, but the threat is still there from No. 15, and against the Buffalo Bills in a 28-21 loss, Mahomes again had a shot to at least force overtime. He couldn't, and it was perhaps the worst way to wrap up what was a tough outing for the Chiefs.
Patrick was constantly pressured, hurried off his spot, and had defenders in his face for most of the game, and had to run for his life. Credit to the Bills' game plan for containing Patrick.
And as such, in his latest quarterback rankings for NFL.com, Nick Shook has Mahomes dropping from No. 1 to No. 2.
“Patrick Mahomes gave it his best effort in Buffalo, but he fell victim to the best defensive showing I've seen from the Bills in years,” Shook wrote. “Nothing was easy and the usual layups were never available for the Chiefs. It was a stunning display for those who had been watching Mahomes carve up defenses.
"I expect Week 9 to prove itself an anomaly over the long haul, but for one Sunday, Mahomes looked very human.”
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Chiefs facing defining second half of season
The Chiefs, for most, are still near certainties to make the postseason, but at 5-4 and third in the AFC West, the reality is that's far from the case.
Now, do we still have confidence that they can go on a run and make it? Absolutely, but the first two games post-bye will tell us a lot.
Away at the Denver Broncos before a home game against the Indianapolis Colts. Those two outings will give us a look at the landscape Kansas City will have to navigate if it is to make a playoff run.
Win both and things are golden, but lose just one, and the picture becomes a little muddled.
The Chiefs have done it time and time again. Will this be the year that things don't break their way?
More Chiefs news:
- Patrick Mahomes has incredible response to potential Bills playoff matchup
- 'No more chances' for Chiefs after Bills loss
- Chiefs face 'uphill battle' after crushing Bills loss
- Is Travis Kelce injured? Chiefs TE a no-show in first half vs. Bills