The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes started the 2023 NFL season with a strong desire to hold the Super Bowl title. Ahead of the season, the team’s players said they had moved on from the 2022 Super Bowl title to focus solely on the 2023 season.
However, this season has not been that notable for the Chiefs. The team is doing well and sitting in the top spot in the AFC West. However, this performance seems lackluster in this intense playoff run. The defending champion has lost two of their last matches, and Mahomes visibly lost his cool in his team’s latest loss to the Buffalo Bills, which now earned him a jab from NFL analyst Stephen A. Smith.
Smith’s take on Mahomes’ embarrassing reaction to loss
In their loss to the Buffalo Bills on Week 14, Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney’s game-winning touchdown, facilitated by a remarkable lateral pass from tight end Travis Kelce, was nullified due to Toney’s offside positioning. This incident set off a chain reaction that encapsulated the frustrations of the Chiefs’ offense, which ultimately culminated in Patrick Mahomes’ visibly impassioned reaction.
The aftermath of this play resonated beyond the field, drawing strong criticism and scrutiny from fans and notable sports analysts like Stephen A. Smith. On a recent episode of First Take, the analyst expressed astonishment at the QB’s uncharacteristic outburst, saying, “Patrick Mahomes may be the greatest quarterback we’ve ever seen. It’s the first time in his career I’ve seen him embarrass himself, via SI.com.
Smith discussed Toney’s offside infraction and the problem of dropped passes, pointing out 33 passes dropped by Chiefs receivers throughout the season. Co-host Shannon Sharpe also echoed Smith’s sentiments by pointing out accountability for Toney’s errors, including a prior fumble in the same game. Both analysts discussed the disconnect between Pat and his receivers while discussing a lack of synchronization that has frequently challenged the defending champions.
Smith, in particular, highlighted Mahomes’ consistent cover for his receivers’ mistakes. He shed light on their dropped touchdown passes and crucial first-down catches, resulting in flagrant offside penalties.
“There have been too many instances where Patrick Mahomes has covered for his receivers, has gone up there and he has said the politically correct thing, the diplomatic thing. They’re dropping touchdown passes, they’re dropping key, pivotal first down catches… you’re lining up offsides, flagrantly so.”
However, the two-time MVP exhibited maturity by acknowledging his emotional response, expressing regret, and emphasizing the need for better emotional management, both on and off the field. Nevertheless, the fallout from head coach Andy Reid and the QB’s post-game criticism of the officials prompted an NFL investigation.
Travis Kelce’s sportsmanship wins hearts
Following the Week 14 loss to the Bills, Patrick Mahomes found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. He openly expressed his frustration even as he shook hands with Bills quarterback Josh Allen. In his candid outburst, laced with expletives, he said, “Wildest f—— call I’ve ever seen. Offensive offenses in that moment, man. F—— terrible.”
In a day when Mahomes earned the “crybaby” tag from the netizens due to his outburst, tight end Travis Kelce emerged as a beacon of sportsmanship. Despite a crucial play of his being nullified, he maintained his composure by showing a class act, while congratulating and embracing Allen.
”You’re a warrior brother… Stay healthy, baby. Keep doing your thing, man. Way to fight”, he said.
Although Kelce didn’t find the end zone during the game, his on-field performance was noteworthy, amassing 6 receptions for 83 yards. Meanwhile, the Chiefs face a precarious situation in their quest for the playoffs. Besides stinging emotionally, the loss to the Bills also jeopardized their hold on home turf advantage in the upcoming postseason.
