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Is Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 QB Status In Jeopardy?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 7:16 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is considered the best quarterback on the planet, and the consensus is it isn't even close.

The AFC Championships, the Super Bowls, MVPs, and all the highlight plays make it an easy choice...but not for former NFL player Chris Canty.

With Mahomes not posting the swashbuckling numbers over the past two seasons, despite winning the Super Bowl and then reaching the penultimate game last year, Patrick hasn't been playing to his usual high standards.

And for Canty, when speaking on UnSportsmanLike, he thinks Mahomes is another "down" year away from potentially losing his status as the No. 1 quarterback in football.

"Mahomes is incredibly accomplished, and he is the best player in this sport bar none," Canty said. "We are one more average season by the numbers from Mahomes, from having a conversation about who the best quarterback in the NFL is. Not who has the best resume, but who the best quarterback in the NFL currently is."

That is some statement.

Given that Mahomes has dominated the AFC for the best part of eight years, and considering that despite his down stats in the past two seasons, he's still 25-7, and has won the AFC championship in recent years as well.

But as Canty points out, Patrick's numbers aren't what they used to be.

A little over 4,000 passing yards in 2023, and under that in 2024, with a combined 53 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

Looking at the last two seasons, among other quarterbacks, Mahomes ranks fourth in yards, 11th in completion percentage, seventh in yards per game and touchdowns, second in interceptions, 18th in passer rating, and third in wins.

So, Patrick hasn't been great, but he hasn't been bad either. However, this is what happens when you've been great for so long: high standards are expected.

Is Mahomes really another poor statistical season away from seeing his status as the No. 1 quarterback in football be in jeopardy?

I don't see it, but that's quite the conversation starter.

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

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