Patrick Mahomes’ historic six-touchdown game left Steelers’ defense in awe
Patrick Mahomes is no longer just a star quarterback—he is the defining face of the NFL. Since taking over as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting QB, Mahomes has shattered records, won multiple Super Bowls, and revolutionized the quarterback position. His mix of arm strength, athleticism, and creativity has set a new standard for NFL quarterbacks.
But what makes Mahomes so special? How has he managed to dominate the league at such a young age? And where does he rank among the all-time greats? Let’s take an in-depth look at Mahomes’ career, breaking down his most impressive achievements, expert analysis, and the legacy he’s building.
Patrick Mahomes’ Historic Six-Touchdown Game: The Birth of a Superstar
Every superstar has a defining moment that announces their arrival, and for Mahomes, it came in Week 2 of the 2018 season. Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mahomes threw for six touchdowns, tying a Chiefs franchise record. More importantly, it was the game that made the NFL world realize they were witnessing something truly special.
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt later admitted that Mahomes’ performance left their defense “completely overwhelmed.” The game showcased Mahomes’ elite accuracy, ability to read defenses, and willingness to take deep shots—traits that would become hallmarks of his career.
Stat Line:
- 326 passing yards
- 6 touchdowns
- No interceptions
- 82% completion percentage
Following this performance, Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre declared: “He reminds me of a young me, but even better. The kid is a magician.”
The Chiefs’ Draft Gamble on Mahomes Paid Off—Big Time
The 2017 NFL Draft was filled with quarterback talent, and when the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Mahomes with the 10th overall pick, many questioned their decision. The two QBs picked before him—Mitch Trubisky (2nd overall) and Deshaun Watson (12th overall)—were widely considered the safer picks.
However, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid saw something in Mahomes that others didn’t. They believed his arm strength, ability to extend plays, and fearless mentality made him the perfect QB to develop behind veteran Alex Smith.
Fast forward to today, and the decision looks like one of the greatest draft moves in NFL history. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowls, won multiple MVPs, and redefined what a modern quarterback should be.
Where Are They Now?
- Patrick Mahomes: 2x MVP, 2x Super Bowl Champion, 3x Super Bowl appearance
- Mitch Trubisky: No longer a starting QB
- Deshaun Watson: Battling injuries and off-field controversies
Record-Breaking Achievements That Prove Mahomes is a Generational Talent
It’s not just the Super Bowl wins that make Mahomes great—it’s the historic records he has shattered along the way. Here are some of the mind-blowing numbers that prove he is in a league of his own:
- Fastest QB to 10,000 passing yards (34 games)
- Fastest QB to 20,000 passing yards (67 games)
- Only QB with 5,000 passing yards and 50 touchdowns in a single season (2018)
- Highest career passer rating in NFL history (minimum 1,500 attempts)
NFL analyst Tony Romo once said, “I’ve never seen a quarterback process information this fast. It’s like he’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.”
Sean Payton’s Analysis: What Makes Mahomes So Special?
NFL coach Sean Payton has coached against some of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers. Yet, when asked about Mahomes, Payton had high praise:
“Patrick Mahomes is unique because he combines elite athleticism with an insane ability to make off-platform throws. He’s just different. The way he moves in the pocket, his anticipation—he’s playing a different game than everyone else.”
Payton pointed out three key areas where Mahomes excels:
1. Arm Talent & Creativity
Mahomes makes throws that defy logic—no-look passes, sidearm lasers, and off-balance bombs. Defenders often say Mahomes is the hardest QB to prepare for because there’s no traditional blueprint to stop him.
2. Football IQ
Despite his flashy plays, Mahomes’ football IQ is one of his most underrated traits. He studies film relentlessly and adapts mid-game, often outsmarting even the best defensive coordinators.
3. Clutch Factor
In the biggest moments, Mahomes delivers. From 13 seconds against the Bills to multiple fourth-quarter comebacks in the Super Bowl, Mahomes is built for the big stage.
Super Bowl Legacy: Mahomes vs. The All-Time Greats
How does Mahomes compare to some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history? Let’s break it down:
| QB | Super Bowls Won | MVPs | Total Passing Yards | TDs | Career Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady | 7 | 3 | 89,214 | 649 | 97.6 |
| Peyton Manning | 2 | 5 | 71,940 | 539 | 96.5 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 2 (and counting) | 2 | 27,000+ (at 28 years old) | 200+ | 105.8 (Best Ever) |
| Aaron Rodgers | 1 | 4 | 59,055 | 475 | 103.9 |
What This Means: Mahomes already has a higher career passer rating than Brady, Manning, and Rodgers. If he continues at this pace, he could go down as the GOAT by the time he retires.
NFL legend Joe Montana once said, “Mahomes is the closest thing I’ve seen to a perfect quarterback. If he stays healthy, he might be the best we’ve ever had.”
Conclusion
Patrick Mahomes is not just a great quarterback—he’s a once-in-a-generation talent. From his record-breaking stats to his Super Bowl heroics, Mahomes has already achieved more than most QBs do in their entire careers.
At just 28 years old, Mahomes is still in his prime. With Andy Reid as his coach and a franchise built around him, the Chiefs are poised to dominate the NFL for years to come.
So, will Mahomes surpass Brady as the greatest of all time? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: we are witnessing something truly special. And the Mahomes era is just getting started.
What do you think? Is Patrick Mahomes already an all-time great, or does he still have more to prove? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
