Patrick Mahomes Admits Subpar Performance as Chiefs Struggle to Find Rhythm

# **Mahomes Admits Poor Play** Kansas City Chiefs superstar **Patrick Mahomes** isn’t one to shy away from accountability, and after a frustrating offensive performance in their latest game, he made it clearhis play wasn’t up to his own sky-high standards. The Chiefs’ 20-14 victory over the New England Patriots wasn’t a showcase of Mahomes’ usual magic. Instead, the reigning Super Bowl MVP had an uncharacteristically sloppy outing, throwing for just **305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception** while completing **25 of 37 passes**. While those numbers might look solid on paper, Mahomes wasn’t fooling himself. —## **Mahomes Gets Honest About His Struggles** After the game, Mahomes didn’t sugarcoat his performance. **“I didn’t play very good at all,”** Mahomes admitted. **“I missed some throws that I probably could have hit. I’ve got to be better for the team.”** It was a rare moment of public self-criticism from a quarterback who has set ridiculously high expectations since entering the league. The Chiefs, now sitting at **9-5**, still control their playoff destiny, but Mahomes knows they can’t afford to be average on offense if they want to **make another Super Bowl run**. —## **An Offense Still Searching for Rhythm** The Chiefs’ offense, once feared and nearly unstoppable, has been disappointingly inconsistent throughout the year. **Turnovers, drops, and miscommunications** have all played a role in frustrating Mahomes and head coach **Andy Reid**. Against the Patriots, the offense flashed its potential but failed to maintain any momentum. **Kansas City managed just six points in the second half**, and for a team that once prided itself on its second-half dominance, that’s concerning. Mahomes’ lone interception, a poor decision under pressure, was just another example of his season-long struggles with forcing plays. While he remains in total command of the offense, there’s a noticeable difference from previous yearsthe **margin for error is slimmer than ever**. —## **Frustrations Over Turnovers Continue** Turnovers have been a focal point of the Chiefs’ struggles in 2023, and once again, they nearly cost them against a struggling Patriots squad. Mahomes’ interception marked the **Chiefs’ 24th turnover of the season**, a stat that has become an alarming trend. In seasons past, Kansas City could overcome mistakes with explosive plays, but without **Tyreek Hill**, and with young receivers still developing, Mahomes has been forced to adjust. **“Too many mistakes,”** Mahomes acknowledged. **“It starts with me.”** While the Chiefs continue to grind out wins, these mistakes could be costly as they approach the playoffs. — ## **The Defense Saves the DayAgain** The Kansas City defense, which has been **arguably the best unit on the team** this season, stepped up once more, holding New England’s struggling offense in check. **Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo** has built a unit capable of shutting down opponents when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. With second-year cornerback **Trent McDuffie** and veteran **Chris Jones** leading the way, the Chiefs forced rookie quarterback **Bailey Zappe** into consistent pressure. It was yet another game where the defense carried more weight than expecteda stark contrast to the Chiefs’ offensive dominance in previous years. —## **Path to the Playoffs: Can the Offense Flip the Switch?** With the postseason looming, the question isn’t whether Mahomes and the Chiefs will **make** the playoffsit’s whether they can **fix their offensive struggles in time**. The good news? Mahomes has been in these situations before, and if there’s any quarterback who can turn things around, it’s him. The bad news? The Chiefs don’t have much time left to figure things out. With matchups against **the Raiders, Bengals, and Chargers** still ahead, the offense will face defenses capable of exposing any lingering weaknesses. Mahomes’ ability to self-correct has never been in question, but this season has tested his patience more than ever. With the postseason right around the corner, Kansas City’s championship hopes **are riding on their ability to get back to their explosive ways**. Will they find their rhythm in time? If history is any indication, betting against Mahomes has never been a wise choice.