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Patrick Mahomes might have made a serious mistake. As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up to defend their unbeaten record against one of their toughest rivals, Mahomes may have let slip a crucial detail about the 7-0 run propelling the team toward a coveted three-peat.
The season's first half posed challenges for Mahomes and the Chiefs. Injuries to key players like Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco, along with low early-season production from star tight end Travis Kelce, cast doubt on the reigning NFL champions' resilience.
However, strategic moves by head coach Andy Reid, combined with the arrival of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Kelce's recent resurgence, played a pivotal role in their divisional win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week.
Amid the postgame excitement, Mahomes might have said a bit too much, revealing the secret behind their recent success.
Mahomes' revealing remarks
In a press conference leading up to Week 9's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mahomes shared how Hopkins' presence is alleviating pressure on Kelce. "Hitting him cut over that medium to long range, he's going to open up other guys down the field and take pressure off other guys," Mahomes stated.
"Whenever you've got two guys like DeAndre and Trav working in that medium range, it opens up the deeper throws because defenses have to for that," Mahomes remarked, explaining how Hopkins and Kelce together are a challenge no defense wants to face.
The Chiefs' quarterback sounded energized by the new offensive possibilities: "I think whenever you're able to put them in there, we're able to hit some throws down the field."
Kelce's numbers prove it
Both Hopkins and Kelce were key to the Chiefs' 27-20 victory over the Raiders. After an inconsistent start, Kelce came alive with 10 catches, 90 yards, and his first touchdown of the season. Hopkins may have managed only two receptions for 29 yards, but his presence drew defenders away from Kelce, freeing up plays downfield.
Although Mahomes may have shared a little too much about Sunday's win, he likely knows that understanding an opponent's strengths is one thing; finding a way to stop them is something else entirely.