Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in his ninth year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Other times, especially considering what he’s accomplished, it may feel like his tenure spans far longer than a near-decade.
A player with Mahomes’ resume — six-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champ and Super Bowl MVP, two-time NFL MVP — has done more than most dream of. As his career continues, there’s still more to check off the list.
Mahomes can reach another key milestone on Sunday against the Houston Texans.
How Patrick Mahomes Can Achieve Rare Milestone vs. Texans on Sunday
Per an announcement from the NFL this week, Mahomes can join an exclusive club in Week 14. Being in rarefied air is nothing new to him, but this particular benchmark would be.
With three touchdown passes on the Sunday Night Football stage, Mahomes would hit 25 on the year. That’d give him an eighth consecutive season with 25+ strikes for scores. Only five other signal-callers can say they’ve done that in their careers. Only one other active player, Atlanta Falcons starter Kirk Cousins, is in the group.
The rest of the list contains Hall of Famers and household names. It’s no surprise that Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning (1998-2010) headlines the longest streak. Former New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees and longtime Los Angeles Chargers star Philip Rivers each have 11 straight years of 25+ touchdown passes.
Bringing up spot four is Tom Brady, known by many as the best player ever following his time with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His streak is 10. Cousins, whose stretch spanned with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings, had eight in a row.
Mahomes has had a couple of close calls since becoming a full-time starter in 2018. The following year, he missed a bit of time with injury and had 26 touchdown passes. He matched that total a season ago, just one year removed from a 27-score effort.
Among other active players, perhaps reigning MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills (five years) can eventually reach the mark.
Mahomes Confident in Offensive Line Entering Week 14
On the year, Mahomes has completed 64.6% of his passes for 3,238 yards, 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His yards per attempt (7.3), yards per game (269.8) and passer rating (96.5) are all his best marks since his MVP-winning 2022 campaign. According to SumerSports, no quarterback has accumulated more total EPA than his 115.58 this year.
The 30-year-old may not truly be in the running for MVP this time around, but he’s been great nonetheless. Considering the circumstances he may play under on Sunday, he’ll need another Herculean effort to deliver the Chiefs a win.
Earlier this week, head coach Andy Reid revealed that left tackle Josh Simmons was going on injured reserve following surgery. His wrist ailment very well could cut his debut season short. It’s also possible that right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who’s battling a triceps issue, may not suit up for Week 14’s contest.
Mahomes might play with a pair of backup offensive tackles against a dominant Houston defense. He isn’t worried, however, instead preaching confidence in whomever takes the field.
“The guys have played,” Mahomes said. “Obviously we’ll go through the week and see where we’re at the with guys that are a little banged up, but you’ve got to give respect to where it’s deserved. Those guys have a great defensive line. We’ll try to do the best we can as [far as] getting the ball out of my hand, running the football. Whenever there are shots down the field, you have to be able to hit them, standing in the pocket and making those throws against a really good defense.”
Only time will tell if that faith can lead to Mahomes staying upright on Sunday.
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