Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced rookie QB Patrick Mahomes will start the Chiefs Week 17 game against the Broncos. The Chiefs are locked into the No. 4 seed in the playoffs so they have nothing to play for — except for the Chiefs giving the nod to their own first round QB in 30 years. That’s all.
I love the situation the Chiefs are in. It’s a little weird but I still love it. I say weird because I am going to be going Mahomes crazy this week. I can’t wait to see what he can do because he represents the next 10-plus years (we hope). But by Sunday night, I’m going back to Alex Smith and focusing on the Chiefs in the playoffs. It’s kind of a weird pause this week to check out the kid before getting back to business.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. I see it as the best possible scenario. There should be very little pressure on Mahomes in this game. Fans will be excited but it is meaningless. Even if Mahomes throws for 500 yards and six touchdowns, the Chiefs are still playing with Alex on Wild Card weekend.
I took a sampling of the fan and media reaction to the Mahomes news. There was a group that was skeptical of what Mahomes can do and then another (larger) group of Chiefs fans that were just excited to see the new guy.
This feels like an invitation for trouble https://t.co/pmYWBd26Ub
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) December 27, 2017
Patrick Mahomes, first career start, in Mile High against the No Fly Zone, in a figurative pressure-free situation. Unless it’s to put pressure on Broncos if their young QB out-performs Lynch. Quality button-press by Andy Reid. And high-quality Week 17 fun.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 27, 2017
I want to think the day Mahomes takes over full time, we'll see the full potential of Tyreek/Kelce. But Alex Smith has been the league's top deep-passer this year so I have no idea.
— Ian Kenyon (@IanKenyonNFL) December 27, 2017
I have a feeling Mahomes playing with mostly back ups vs the Broncos starters might not go the best.
— Jeff Fawver (@STRONGbutChubby) December 27, 2017
But it'll still be exciting to see him take live snaps.#chiefs
Who's Patrick Mahomes throwing to? I'd imagine it could be difficult for third sting receivers to open against Talib or Harris Jr.
— Ted Nguyen (@RaidersAnalysis) December 27, 2017
And some of the “Mahomes is the greatest ever” thoughts:
Got like 4 texts from friends and NFL people letting my know my man Patrick Mahomes is starting this week. #Chiefs fans gonna get a teaser of what young Brett Favre can do in their offense.
— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) December 27, 2017
Could make a case Mahomes was best QB in entire NFL this preseason. 34-of-54 (63%) for 390 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT. 8-44-0 rushing.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) December 27, 2017
Pumped to get a look at Patrick Mahomes under center for the Chiefs on Sunday. I believe he will cut it loose and make some plays
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 27, 2017
I really believe Patrick Mahomes will be a superstar in this league.
— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) December 27, 2017
If Patrick Mahomes goes into Denver with our 2nd stringers and pulls out a victory in the city where the Mile High Curse has been held over this franchise then it will be the first footnote in the legacy of Patrick Mahomes in KC
— JKuhn (@h8rproof82) December 27, 2017