Source: MySportsUpdate via
TwitterThe Kansas City Chiefs entered the unknown in the 2018 season by putting their future into the hands of second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 23-year-old had been selected by the club with the 10
th-overall selection in the 2017 Draft out of Texas Tech University. However, he was forced to sit behind veteran Alex Smith for his first campaign in the NFL, which ended with the Chiefs crashing out in the playoffs in Wildcard Round with a shocking defeat to the Tennessee Titans.The loss prompted head coach Andy Reid into action, trading away Smith to the Washington Redskins and installing Mahomes as the starter. It was considered a boom-or-bust decision from Kansas City for the 2018 campaign. From the first week of the term it was clear that Reid’s decision would yield huge dividends for the club. Mahomes was outstanding in the opening week, throwing four touchdowns against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was even better the following game, dismantling the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing six strikes into the endzone to defeat a team the Chiefs had struggled to match with Smith in position.
Falling Short
The 23-year-old was incredible throughout the year, producing memorable performances even in defeats. He proved his mettle against the New England Patriots in a loss on the road and once again in a thriller against the Los Angeles Rams where both teams put over 50 points on the board. Mahomes’ displays guided the Chiefs to the top seed in the AFC Conference, throwing 50 touchdowns over the course of the season, handing them a home match in the Divisional Round in the post-season.Mahomes and his team-mates swept aside the Indianapolis Colts to ensure that they would host the AFC Championship Game for the first time Arrowhead Stadium. The Patriots were the opponents, but for once and Mahomes and company stalled in the first half. He and Damien Williams mounted a second-half comeback, but Tom Brady was able to
edge the visitors through to the Super Bowl in overtime. Despite their defeat, the future is bright for Reid’s men with their quarterback and his outstanding first season as the full-time starter.
Bright Future 
Source: NFL via Twitter
Only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady had thrown 50 touchdowns in a single term before the 23-year-old, suggesting that he has a very bright future. The Chiefs are among the
leading contenders with bookmakers to win the Super Bowl next term due to the pedigree of their quarterback. Key members of the offense will also return to the fold. Tyreek Hill has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, while Travis Kelce has carved out a reputation as one of the leading tight ends.Both players were quiet in the defeat to New England and to carry the Chiefs forward towards the Super Bowl – the duo will need to raise their levels of performance in the bigger matches. The encouraging aspect is that Mahomes will only get better as he continues to develop. Hill, Kelce and Sammy Watkins are not going anywhere soon. Kareem Hunt’s departure didn’t affect the offense as Williams slotted straight into his role. There will be
capital to work with in the NFL Draft and free agency, potentially handing Mahomes with further talent to play with in an already dominant offense.
Fixing Weaknesses
Kansas City’s defense was their Achilles’ heel last season. The unit was ranked as one of the worst in the NFL and failed to improve in the playoffs. Brady cut them open in the decisive moments in the Championship Game, finding Julian Edelman over the middle with ease. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton paid the price as he was fired and replaced by Steve Spagnuolo. The Chiefs have quality players on their defense, although Justin Houston and Eric Berry are coming to the end of the road as All-Pro calibre talent.Dee Ford had a good campaign, although it will be forever blighted by his
inability to remain onside on a Brady interception that would have won the Chiefs the AFC Championship Game. Ford is a free agent and it remains to be seen whether he will re-sign. Chris Jones has emerged as a superstar in the middle of the defensive line, but he cannot do it all alone. Kansas City are going to need a strong off-season to use their cap space and draft picks wisely to ensure that they don’t fall short next time around.
