Patrick Mahomes’ surprising season slump: Is This the end of his reign or a Chiefs’ dark conspiracy?

Patrick Mahomes has long been regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to grace the NFL. Known for his cannon arm, incredible mobility, and off-the-charts football IQ, Mahomes transformed the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense into a juggernaut that opposing defenses dreaded. However, the 2024 season marked an unexpected downturn in his career. His performance raised eyebrows as he recorded his lowest passing yards since 2017, threw just 26 touchdowns (a career-low), and dropped to 39th in Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) quarterback rankings—an astonishing fall for a player once hailed as untouchable.

So, what exactly went wrong? Is Mahomes still elite, or has the NFL finally caught up with him? Let’s explore the contributing factors to his uncharacteristic slump, the potential fixes, and what it all means for the Chiefs’ future.

A Statistical Breakdown of Mahomes’ 2024 Season

The numbers don’t lie—Patrick Mahomes struggled by his own lofty standards. Let’s take a closer look at his key statistics:

• Passing Yards: Mahomes threw for just 3,928 yards, which is well below the 4,700+ yards he was averaging in his peak seasons.

• Touchdowns and Interceptions: He recorded 26 touchdowns—his fewest since becoming a starter—and 11 interceptions, leading to a passer rating of 93.5, down from his usual rating of 105+.

• Efficiency Metrics: His drop in completion percentage and his placement at 39th in Pro Football Focus’ rankings highlight the gap between his usual elite status and his current struggles.

This drop-off in production has led to growing concerns. Was this just an anomaly, or are there deeper issues at play?

Analyzing the Factors Behind Mahomes’ Decline

To understand what went wrong, we need to break down the various factors that contributed to Mahomes’ lackluster performance.

1. A Struggling Offensive Line

Football starts in the trenches, and Mahomes’ offensive line simply didn’t perform up to par in 2024. The offensive line’s struggles were compounded by injuries, inconsistent play, and the departure of key players. Mahomes often found himself scrambling for his life behind a line that couldn’t provide him with enough time to execute plays properly.

When quarterbacks are consistently under pressure, their decision-making tends to suffer. In Mahomes’ case, this led to hurried throws, off-balance passes, and more interceptions than usual. Even a quarterback as mobile and talented as Mahomes can’t thrive when he’s constantly forced out of the pocket.

2. Injuries to Key Playmakers

Another significant issue for the Chiefs was the health of Mahomes’ supporting cast. Injuries to key players like wide receiver Kadarius Toney and tight end Travis Kelce left Mahomes without his usual arsenal of weapons. Without reliable deep threats or dependable safety valves, Mahomes was forced to rely on less experienced or inconsistent players, which disrupted the rhythm of the offense.

When Kelce wasn’t fully healthy, the chemistry that Mahomes had with his go-to tight end took a hit. Kelce has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense for years, and when he wasn’t at 100%, Mahomes struggled to find a consistent outlet.

3. Defensive Adjustments

Opposing defenses seemed to have finally figured out how to slow down Mahomes. By using two-high safety looks, containing him in the pocket, and forcing him to make shorter, check-down throws, defenses disrupted the Chiefs’ big-play tendencies. Mahomes, who had built a reputation on jaw-dropping deep passes and improvisational brilliance, found himself facing defensive schemes specifically designed to neutralize his strengths.

This forced Mahomes to play a more methodical, short-yardage game, which didn’t play to his strengths. As a result, the Chiefs’ offense became less explosive and more prone to stalling.

4. Psychological Impact and Confidence Issues

After years of dominance, a sudden decline can take a toll on any athlete’s confidence—and Mahomes was no exception. The Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX seemed to linger in the minds of both Mahomes and his teammates. The emotional and psychological aftermath of that loss may have played a role in their sluggish start to the 2024 season.

When a quarterback loses confidence, it can affect everything from decision-making to mechanics. Mahomes, known for his cool demeanor and fearlessness, occasionally looked hesitant, second-guessing his reads and holding onto the ball too long.

Can Mahomes Bounce Back? Potential Fixes for the Chiefs

Despite the disappointing season, Mahomes and the Chiefs have the tools to turn things around. Here’s what they’ll need to do to get back to their winning ways:

1. Strengthen the Offensive Line

The Chiefs’ front office must prioritize rebuilding the offensive line. Whether through the draft, free agency, or trades, they need to invest in linemen who can protect Mahomes and give him the time he needs to make plays.

A more stable and cohesive offensive line would allow Mahomes to regain his confidence in the pocket, reducing the number of rushed throws and poor decisions.

2. Get Playmakers Healthy and Add Depth

Health is always a factor in the NFL, but the Chiefs can’t rely solely on their top stars staying healthy. Adding depth to the receiving corps will ensure that Mahomes has more options when injuries inevitably strike.

In particular, finding a reliable No. 2 receiver to complement Kelce will be crucial. A deep-threat wideout who can stretch the field and create separation would open up more opportunities for Mahomes to attack downfield.

3. Evolve the Offensive Scheme

As defenses continue to adjust to Mahomes’ tendencies, the Chiefs’ coaching staff must stay one step ahead by evolving their offensive scheme. Incorporating more quick passes, pre-snap motion, and creative route concepts can keep defenses guessing and allow Mahomes to play faster and more efficiently.

4. Mental Resilience and Leadership

Mahomes has always been a strong leader, but the 2024 season tested his resilience like never before. Rebounding from adversity will require not just physical adjustments but mental toughness. Mahomes will need to stay focused, block out the noise, and inspire his teammates to rally around him.

Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Mahomes and the Chiefs?

Despite the challenges, it would be unwise to count out Patrick Mahomes. He’s still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and his competitive fire, combined with the Chiefs’ organizational stability, bodes well for a potential comeback.

The 2025 season presents a fresh opportunity for Mahomes to silence the doubters and reestablish himself as the NFL’s top quarterback. With the right adjustments, there’s every reason to believe that Mahomes can return to MVP form and lead the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl.

Final Thoughts: Is Mahomes’ Reign Over, or Is This Just a Bump in the Road?

Every great athlete faces setbacks, and Patrick Mahomes is no exception. While the 2024 season was a humbling experience, it also provides an opportunity for growth. Whether this downturn represents the beginning of a decline or just a temporary slump depends on how Mahomes and the Chiefs respond.

One thing is certain: the NFL hasn’t seen the last of Patrick Mahomes. His story is far from over, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that greatness often emerges from adversity.

Will Mahomes return to the top, or is the league catching up to him for good? Only time will tell—but don’t be surprised if he’s hoisting another Lombardi Trophy in the near future.