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Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Has Lost 'Fear Factor' Claims AFC Scout

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 8:42 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, despite two so-called "down" seasons, is still considered by many to be the best quarterback in football.

But there is growing group-think momentum that suggests if Patrick has another "down" season in 2025, that his grip on the "best quarterback" title might be seriously loosened.

Still, having won two of the last three Super Bowls, with the three-peat dominating the headlines last season, Mahomes and the Chiefs, despite others thinking the dynasty is coming to an end, are still a top team in football.

And for ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, in his quarterback rankings piece that has input from coaches, executives, and scouts, Mahomes, per an AFC scout, has lost his fear factor.

"An AFC scout noted that Mahomes "probably doesn't have that same fear factor" from opponents that he had a few years ago but also expects him to bounce back in 2025, with a healthier receiving corps and a rebuilt offensive line," Fowler wrote.

Has Patrick really lost his fear factor? We struggle to believe that. ... and really wish the "anonymous source'' would put his name on this whisper.

Why? Well, when it comes to crunch time in the fourth quarter, whether that be in the regular season or the playoffs, if Mahomes is on the other side, the aura of No. 15 going on a game-winnnig drive is a good bet, hence why teams often deviate from their gameplan.

They know a little extra is required to put that final nail in the coffin - that's fear.

If Mahomes isn't properly put away, more often than not, he orchestrates a game-winning drive or at the very least gets a field goal to force overtime. He had seven game-winning drives last season, that doesn't happen by accident.

Yes, the Chiefs' and Mahomes' aura might have been dented by the Super Bowl loss, but when push comes to shove late in games, No. 15 instills a fear that he can rip the game away from you in an instant.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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