The season may be over for the Kansas City Chiefs after falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. But, it shouldn’t mean the season ends without hardware for Patrick Mahomes. In his first year as the full-time starter at quarterback, Mahomes took the Chiefs offense to a completely different planet than it previously existed on. But, 2018 wasn’t just about what the Chiefs offense…Mahomes had the best season of any quarterback in the NFL. For that, I say he’s the unquestioned MVP of the season.
Really, though, this is something we’ve known for months. I examined the MVP candidates at the quarter season mark, and Mahomes topped the list then:
The Chiefs gunslinger was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month and is on pace for 60 total touchdowns (LOL RIDICULOUS). He has 1,200 passing yards, and an NFL best 14 passing touchdowns (with an additional score on the ground). Plus, he has yet to throw an interception. But, it’s not just the stats that pop. It’s also Showtime Mahomes’ ability to take over a game that comes into play. That was a gritty, MVP-type of performance in Monday night’s comeback against the Denver Broncos. This kid looks like the truth.
He finished 2018 with 12 interceptions, but otherwise, what was true then that isn’t true now? Now, I clearly wasn’t the only one who thought Mahomes could be MVP early in the season. Plenty of pundits have written thousands of words on just how incredible this run was for Mahomes. But, for good reason.
Mahomes was second in the NFL in passing yards with 5,097. His quarterback rating was second only to Drew Brees. But, his 50 passing touchdowns were far and away the best in the league. At just 22 years old, he’s the youngest player in NFL history to throw 50 touchdowns, and one of only three guys in NFL history to do it. The other two guys happen to be named Peyton Manning (55 in 2013) and Tom Brady (50 in 2007). Yeah….pretty good company. Factor in his two rushing touchdowns, and that’s a total touchdown mark of 52.
The guy threw six touchdowns in a game twice this season. In five more games, he threw four touchdowns! He had more games with three or more passing touchdowns than games with a single interception – his 2018 was just simply mind-blowing!
Aside from what the stat lines show, they’ll be replaying his infamous no-look pass, and his switching hands from right to left to complete a pass for as long as this kid is making plays. The dude can chew up yardage and put points on the board like no one else in the NFL.
Brees was the only guy who could’ve made an argument contesting this, but let’s be honest. His campaign was about the story – people wanted Brees to get it because it felt good. Because he’s never won one before – not because he was better or more valuable to his team or the NFL.
The race was over in October. There’s no need to debate it in January.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Subscribe to our Patreon. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube.
