The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bounce back offensively in 2025, and re-incorporating the deep ball into quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal would be a good place to start.
Mahomes posted a career-low 6.8 air yards per attempt in 2024, “besting” his previous mark of 6.83 AY/A, set in 2017. He posted a 6.86 AY/A mark in 2023, the third-worst mark of his eight-year career.
However, the Chiefs seem to be working the deep ball back into the game plan.
In a video clip captioned “You miss this,” from OTAs, Mahomes is seen going deep to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, whom the Chiefs signed in free agency this offseason.
The 2023 campaign was an aberration for Mahomes.
He made the Pro Bowl, but it was his only season doing so while attempting fewer than 7.59 AY/A. Mahomes led the league in 2018, posting 9.83 air yards per attempt. His numbers have essentially fallen in each subsequent season, save for a bump in 2022.
Chiefs Reintroducing Deep Passing Game for Patrick Mahomes
Part of the issue has been a Chiefs offense light on reliable deep threats in recent seasons. Top wideout Rashee Rice missed all but four games in 2024.
He is not a true deep threat even when fully healthy.
To remedy that, the Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round in 2024. He posted 59 receptions for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns as a rookie, with a 9.2-yard average depth of target, third-best on the team among receivers with at least 30 receptions.
The Chiefs doubled down this offseason, albeit in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Utah State’s Jalen Royals.
“Royals tied for the quickest 10-yard split (1.49) regardless of position at the combine, and that burst shows up after the catch,” ESPN’s Steve Muench wrote before the draft. “His acceleration is instant, and he pulls away from pursuit when he gets a crease. He breaks tackles with his contact balance and makes defenders miss. Royals runs well and can get behind the coverage. He settles into windows and has the tools to develop as a route runner.”
Matthew Stafford Echoes Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes was a hot-button issue among the Olympic flag football debate, particularly in light of Team USA QB Darrell “Housh” Doucette’s stance that he is better in that realm than the Chiefs star would be.
Fortunately for Doucette, it is a moot issue, with Mahomes saying he would likely leave that challenge for “younger players.”
He is not alone, with Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford jokingly offering to coach.
Mahomes will be heading into his age-33 season. Stafford will be 40 by the time the 2028 Olympics, which will be in Los Angeles, roll around. It makes sense for both accomplished passers to show hesitation, if not outright decline the idea of playing flag football.
The opportunity would be historic, though. So, either player finding some way to participate would be just as understandable.
Several other NFL players have said they would love to participate, much to the chagrin of the full-time flag football players. While the league has approved NFL player participation in the Olympics, there remain several hurdles to overcome before the event arrives in three years.
