Patrick Mahomes defied even optimistic expectations for his season as a starter in 2018, throwing for 5,097 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while competing 66 percent of his passes, ridiculous numbers only previously reached by Peyton Manning in his historic 2013 campaign. The Kansas City Chiefs superstar won MVP as a result of his mind-blowing performance last season, joining Dan Marino as the youngest winners of the award in NFL history at 23-years-old.
Still, there were some league followers who believed Mahomes' play was the result of the Chiefs' vaunted offensive attack rather than the singular driving force behind it. Those naysayers, clearly, didn't spend much time watching Mahomes bend the previously-established rules of quarterbacking. Just in case they're still harboring doubts about his otherworldly ability, though, this stat should help change their minds.
According to Pro Football Focus, only New England Patriots icon Tom Brady completed as many âbig-timeâ throws on third-and-long as Mahomes did in 2018.
Patrick Mahomes tied the đ with 9 big-time throws on 3rd & long situations last season. pic.twitter.com/Z6TjwV4jr0
â PFF (@PFF) May 3, 2019
That Brady and Mahomes would lead the league in that category is hardly a surprise.
No quarterback in the NFL extends plays with his legs better than Mahomes, and his unique ability to fit the ball into tight windows, from almost any throwing platform imaginable, often led to the Chiefs converting difficult third-and-longs. Kansas City was on the other end of a similar dynamic in the AFC Championship Game, when Brady completed multiple throws on third-and-long in both the late fourth quarter and overtime to lead his team a thrilling 38-31 victory over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Brady might be the G.O.A.T, but Mahomes might be the best quarterback in the NFL â and this stat is an indication of both of those potential realities.
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