Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes shares message for embattled WR Kadarius Toney

Even though he made a foolish mistake in a Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes claims he hasn't lost trust in wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

On Wednesday, Mahomes said he told Toney his costly offensive offsides penalty in the disappointing defeat "isn't going to define him," and he can rectify it with a strong performance in a road game against the New England Patriots (3-10) Sunday.

While it's good that Mahomes isn't throwing him under the bus, the former first-round pick hasn't met expectations thus far. Toney, 24, has recorded 25 receptions for 164 yards, one TD and four drops in 12 games.

To be fair to Toney, he's not the only Kansas City pass-catcher who's underperforming. Per Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs lead the league in dropped passes (34). 

"A lack of precision and effectiveness plagues Patrick Mahomes' pass-catchers," wrote Mike Jones of The Athletic. "A greater attention to detail is required here, and if the Chiefs (8-5) can lock in and eliminate the mental errors, they should recapture the potency that has made them the closest thing to a dynasty we have seen since the Patriots' reign ended."

Despite the erratic WR play, Mahomes hasn't backtracked and can still shred defenses. Through 13 games, he's tied for fifth in the league in passing TDs (23), ranks fourth in QBR (66.4) and eighth in passing yards (3,398). As of Wednesday, oddschecker places him within its top 10 MVP odds.

If the wideouts quickly improve, Mahomes and the offense can kick it up a notch. Conversely, the Chiefs won't repeat as Super Bowl champions if they don't raise their game.