Behind the Applause: 5 Mahomes Habits That Could Be Driving Reid Crazy!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Patrick Mahomes is a generational talent, a three-time Super Bowl MVP, and the heartbeat of the Kansas City Chiefs. Under head coach Andy Reid, he’s redefined what a quarterback can do, blending jaw-dropping improvisation with surgical precision. Their partnership is the stuff of NFL legend—a symbiotic relationship that’s yielded multiple championships and a dynasty in the making. But even the most dynamic duos have their friction points. While Reid publicly sings Mahomes’ praises, there are likely moments when the veteran coach grits his teeth over certain habits of his superstar QB. Here are five Mahomes tendencies that might just be driving Reid crazy behind the scenes.
1. High-Risk, High-Reward Gambles
Mahomes’ no-look passes and cross-body throws are the stuff of highlight reels, but they come with a catch. His penchant for pushing the envelope can lead to costly mistakes. Take the 2021 AFC Championship against the Cincinnati Bengals, where a risky throw under pressure resulted in an interception that shifted momentum. Reid, a master strategist who thrives on calculated risks, might wish Mahomes would dial back the hero ball in crunch time. While those audacious plays often pay off, they can leave Reid’s meticulously crafted game plan teetering on the edge.
2. Getting Heated with the Zebras
Mahomes is a fiery competitor, and that passion sometimes spills over—especially when it comes to referee calls. In a 2023 game against the Buffalo Bills, a potential game-winning touchdown was nullified by an offside penalty, prompting Mahomes to publicly blast the officiating, earning a $50,000 fine from the NFL. Reid, a seasoned coach who values discipline, likely cringes at these outbursts. He’d probably prefer Mahomes channel that energy into the huddle rather than risk penalties or distractions that could affect team morale.
3. Over-Reliance on Improvisation
Mahomes’ ability to turn broken plays into miracles is unmatched, but it can sometimes undermine Reid’s play-calling. In Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mahomes faced relentless pressure and resorted to scrambling heroics, resulting in two interceptions and no touchdowns. Reid’s complex offensive schemes are designed for precision, and while he trusts Mahomes’ instincts, he might quietly wish his QB would stick to the script a bit more when the pocket collapses.
4. Sync Issues with Struggling Receivers
The Chiefs’ receiving corps in 2023 led the NFL in dropped passes, a stat that frustrated fans and likely tested Reid’s patience. Mahomes, ever the optimist, sometimes forces throws to receivers who aren’t on the same page, leading to miscommunications or turnovers. Reid, who spends hours drilling timing and chemistry, might be exasperated when Mahomes’ trust in his teammates outpaces their execution. A slight tweak in Mahomes’ target selection could save Reid a few gray hairs.
5. Bouncing Back After Defeats
Following the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Reid delivered a no-excuses message to his team, emphasizing the need to learn from failure. Mahomes, while a proven leader, occasionally shows flashes of frustration after tough losses, as seen in post-game pressers where he’s been candid about missed opportunities. Reid, a coach who preaches resilience, might want Mahomes to project unflappable confidence to rally the team, especially in the face of adversity.
The Bigger Picture
Let’s be clear: Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are a match made in football heaven. Reid’s genius play designs and Mahomes’ otherworldly talent have created a juggernaut that’s the envy of the NFL. These “habits” aren’t dealbreakers—they’re the growing pains of a quarterback still refining his craft under a coach who’s seen it all. If anything, Reid’s ability to harness Mahomes’ quirks while giving him room to shine is what makes their partnership so special. So, while these tendencies might make Reid shake his head in the film room, they’re just part of the magic that keeps Chiefs Kingdom roaring.
