From a Red Raider alum: Things you may not know about Patrick Mahomes II

[JDKinman]

The majority of what has been written and publicly discussed about Patrick Mahomes II has focused on his arm and his ability to make plays. As is usual, the national sports media rarely sees beyond their keyboard.

I have a vested interest in this because I consider Kansas City my second home and my adopted hometown. The three years we spent in KC were the best of our career and the good folks of Kansas City took my wife and I in and made us feel more welcome and at home than any other place we have lived. For that, we'll always be grateful and we truly love the city as if we were born and raised there.

Now to Mahomes II.

Those of us who are Texas Tech alumni and supporters see quite a bit more. In no particular importance, I want to share my observations and experiences with Mahomes from the past three years.

1. No off the field issues and probably never will be. Patrick is not just an outstanding athlete, but he is an outstanding young man. In Raiderland, we never had to hold our breath wondering what foolishness he was going to get into. He has a solid moral compass, solid values and his focus--both professionally and socially--is on being a role model fit for both young kids and old grandmothers alike. He will be excellent for the Kansas City community in the way that Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith were active, and he has the boyish personality and "boy next door" persona of Joe Montana.

This is huge for me given as how I'm a retired ad agency and brand guy, the leader of a team has to wear that not just on their sleeve, but in their heart as well. Mahomes will make Kansas Citians proud everywhere he goes.

2. He's smart. Book smart, athletic smart and career smart. This too has been overlooked by the media. During his time at Texas Tech, Mahomes was an Academic All-American. He didn't cut or skip class and have coaches cover for him. (Kliff) Kingsbury doesn't tolerate that. We've lost some good players due to their academic hijinks and/or failures.

Concern over Mahomes' ability to learn an NFL playbook? Zero. Concerns over Mahomes' ability to manage his money rather than letting it manage him and becoming a distraction to the team and city? Zero. Concerns over his hitting an intellectual ceiling so far as being a professional quarterback goes? Zero.

3. He has an uncanny ability to not just read the defense, but to read what is happening on the defense as the play develops--and exploit it. Much of what I've read by sportswriters criticizing Mahomes for a "lack of pocket discipline" has been amusing. Watching six minutes of game film highlights and then penning a story for the press does not give one anywhere near the correct perspective of what Mahomes saw and accomplished on the field.

Tech fans have seen this for three years. Mahomes will see what the defense is doing, audible or adjust the play and then make adjustments on the run. Yes, some of this will need to change in the NFL and he will need to learn when a play cannot be salvaged or saved, but see Point #2 regarding his intelligence. The bigger picture here is that the young man has not only the vision to see what a defense is adjusting or preparing for, but also has the ability to react and counter-attack during the play. In high-scoring Big 12 games, this is critical.

4. Mahomes has the best "full field vision" of any quarterback we've ever had at Tech. Period. If what they say about reincarnation is true, Patrick Mahomes was a bird-of-prey in a previous life. His eyesight and vision is other-worldly when it comes to seeing the entire field. In three years and thousands of yards of passing, we may never have any idea how many touchdowns and first downs were made because he saw the entire field and every single eligible receiver.

Broadcasters are always good at pointing out during a replay the receivers that were open that the quarterback missed. You can go back and review all three years of Mahomes playing at Tech and you won't have more than a handful of those remarks by the broadcasters. The kid has incredible field vision and--

5. He analyzes and decides like a super computer. Maybe faster. This was another thing that kept the Raider faithful enthralled on game days. Mahomes knew who his primary and secondary receivers were, but his ability to read and analyze a defense and then adjust, sometimes even on the fly as the play was unfolding, and then process what was happening and then shift who was NOW the primary and secondary receiver was mind-boggling. Even the Tech receiving corps would shake their heads at how fast he could go from one side of the field as they were covered, to finding them as soon as the defense mistakenly thought they had the play covered, and then find his next set of primary receivers and make the play to them with laser-like accuracy.

He is a zone defense's worst nightmare. Man-on-man coverage is up to the receivers, but defensive coordinators and defensive backs are going to lose a lot of sleep trying to out guess and out-react Mahomes.

6. He is a freakshow of an athlete.This has been touched on, but Mahomes' athleticism goes far beyond his right arm. He's a husky, big kid who is a gym rat and fitness fanatic. He has eye to hand coordination that can fake you out on the football field or dazzle you on the baseball diamond.

7. He's humble. I doubt you'll see entourages or "crews" hanging with every move. Mahomes is self-confident and assured. He's not a Manziel that needed hero-worshippers falling all over him every step of the way. Mahomes gives credit to his coaches and receivers and teammates before he talks about anything he might have done in the game. Too much of that gets edited out by the sports writers and broadcasters, but this young man is the consummate team player and a natural leader.

In conclusion, I wanted to share these thoughts, views and experiences from the past three years of thoroughly enjoying Mahomes in a Texas Tech jersey. That he is trading Texas Tech red for Kansas City red. . . Christmas came in April and is now running non-stop for as long as this outstanding young man calls Arrowhead Stadium home.

Best regards,

--JD

[WhiteWhale]

If this kid shines in preseason and KC trots Smith out there, this forum is going to be losing their minds.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Sweet Daddy Hate

I love our new Tech Mahomes fans.

The Chiefs have the Alex Is Dumpin' Shit virus...AIDS....and Mahomies are the cure.

The Mahomies Vaccine. Get inoculated today!

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

The Chiefs have the Alex Is Dumpin' Shit virus...AIDS....and Mahomies are the cure.

The Mahomies Vaccine. Get inoculated today!

Damn straight.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Sweet Daddy Hate

I love our new Tech Mahomes fans.

What an incredible upgrade over the clogged septic system we received on our LAST go around at QB acquisition.

I also enjoyed the Eric Berry Tennessee fans. Both groups of fans are great because they immediately sensed what we're excited about and what we stand for as a fanbase. The Tech fans immediately figured shit out: "Hmm... they seem to hate Alex Smith and his sacrifice-the-game-for-his-low-INT-totals style of play." And they've been feeding us awesome shit to fap to.

[Fairplay]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

The fact that defenses will have to be wary of the possibility of a downfield threat more than 15 yards will keep them honest. It's opens up so many more possibilities....

If I was the wide receivers coach I would be telling all my guys to practice wind sprints daily...

Unless it is a third and 1-2 situation I think Andy should send a receiver deep on ever play. Keep the saftey back to open up the run.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by Fairplay

Unless it is a third and 1-2 situation I think Andy should send a receiver deep on ever play. Keep the saftey back to open up the run.

This guy will break defenses will. A guy who can throw 50+ yards across his body while running left? Good night...

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

I also enjoyed the Eric Berry Tennessee fans. Both groups of fans are great because they immediately sensed what we're excited about and what we stand for as a fanbase. The Tech fans immediately figured shit out: "Hmm... they seem to hate Alex Smith and his sacrifice-the-game-for-his-low-INT-totals style of play." And they've been feeding us awesome shit to fap to.

All of this. What an exciting time to be a Chiefs fan!

Originally Posted by WhiteWhale

This guy will break defenses will. A guy who can throw 50+ yards across his body while running left? Good night...

And long overdue, yes?

Yes.

[Steron]

Originally Posted by BigChiefTablet

They asked him (paraphrased) "It's your first NFL play EVER ... The fullback is wide open coming across the middle five yards deep. The wide receiver has a half step on the DB on a go route. Who do you throw to? Remember, this is your first NFL play ever."

Pat says,(also paraphrased) "Probably the wide receiver. I mean, I'm not gonna lie to you. If he's got half a step I'm gonna give him the chance to make a play. NFL wide receivers are pretty good. They get paid to make the big plays."

Thanks, I knew it was something like that.

[DRM08]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

I also enjoyed the Eric Berry Tennessee fans. Both groups of fans are great because they immediately sensed what we're excited about and what we stand for as a fanbase. The Tech fans immediately figured shit out: "Hmm... they seem to hate Alex Smith and his sacrifice-the-game-for-his-low-INT-totals style of play." And they've been feeding us awesome shit to fap to.

I recognize you guys don't like Alex's style of play, but you could be in a lot worse shape at QB. Look at the Texans, Browns, etc. Alex is pretty solid and he is going to be an important mentor for Mahomes along with the coaches.

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by DRM08

I recognize you guys don't like Alex's style of play, but you could be in a lot worse shape at QB. Look at the Texans, Browns, etc. Alex is pretty solid and he is going to be an important mentor for Mahomes along with the coaches.

Alex is largely a victim of circumstance. I think everyone can acknowledge he is a solid, good QB. But, he was sent to a franchise that has long suffered to mediocrity at the QB position.

He has done everything we could hope for him to do, but it just feels like the ceiling has been reached. He wouldn't receive near as much hate here if it wasn't for the people like Tiger who live in fantasy land and think he is some sort of top 10 QB, wanting him to extend his stay when this team is ready to win a damn Super Bowl...

[rico]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

Alex is largely a victim of circumstance. I think everyone can acknowledge he is a solid, good QB. But, he was sent to a franchise that has long suffered to mediocrity at the QB position.

He has done everything we could hope for him to do, but it just feels like the ceiling has been reached. He wouldn't receive near as much hate here if it wasn't for the people like Tiger who live in fantasy land and think he is some sort of top 10 QB, wanting him to extend his stay when this team is ready to win a damn Super Bowl...

I feel like a few of the stacked Chiefs and 49ers teams Alex has started for have been victims of circumstance. With an actual QB, I don't feel like this Chiefs team will merely win games (a few of them straight up lucky, "how the hell did that just happen" wins)....I feel like this team will blow their opponents out.

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by rico

I feel like a few of the stacked Chiefs and 49ers teams Alex has started for have been victims of circumstance. With an actual QB, I don't feel like this Chiefs team will merely win games (a few of them straight up lucky, "how the hell did that just happen" wins)....I feel like this team will blow their opponents out.

Undoubtedly.

I think back to the game at Denver last year. Incredible game, great win, but had no business being that close. Our offense was literally nonexistent before the 4th quarter.

Now, you could say the same thing about Denver in that game, but their offense was quite a bit worse than ours all around.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

Alex is largely a victim of circumstance. I think everyone can acknowledge he is a solid, good QB. But, he was sent to a franchise that has long suffered to mediocrity at the QB position. He has done everything we could hope for him to do, but it just feels like the ceiling has been reached.

He wouldn't receive near as much hate here if it wasn't for the people like Tiger who live in fantasy land and think he is some sort of top 10 QB, wanting him to extend his stay when this team is ready to win a damn Super Bowl...

Everything about your post is fair and sensible...

but then, you get to the part that I separate above.

AGAIN.. you are adding negative opinion of the QB due to... " some fans that oversell him. ?

That therefore renders everything you feel about his ability.. and frankly, any opinion given.. as questionable.

Tell me... you do see this, yes?

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by DRM08

I recognize you guys don't like Alex's style of play, but you could be in a lot worse shape at QB. Look at the Texans, Browns, etc. Alex is pretty solid and he is going to be an important mentor for Mahomes along with the coaches.

Actually, I don't want Alex even talking to PM2. Why risk some of Alex's game managing, horizontal throwing, open receiver missing bad juju rubbing off on our new Franchise QB.

PM2 is the exact opposite of ALex, and I want him to stay that way.

Hopefully, we only have to suffer through one more year of his 15 TD throwing, first round playoff exit ass before we get a real QB to watch in Red!!

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

Everything about your post is fair and sensible...

but then, you get to the part that I separate above.

AGAIN.. you are adding negative opinion of the QB due to... " some fans that oversell him. ?

That therefore renders everything you feel about his ability.. and frankly, any opinion given.. as questionable.

Tell me... you do see this, yes?

It's simple. If a person (say Tiger) comes on here and says that's Alex has to start for 2-3 years, that he isn't the primary reason for our shortcomings in recent years, that he is a top 10 NFL QB... it sparks the debate.

So, when those things are said, many on here including myself are going to fire back with reasons as to why those things aren't true. It often comes off as 'hating' Alex. That's not it. It's just a response to the ideas that Pro-Alex posters bring to the board.