Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' statistics this season haven't quite matched the expectations fans have for the superstar, who has become one of the faces of the NFL. His interception rate of 3.8 percent is the highest of his career, and his 88.9 passer rating is his lowest since his 2017 rookie season. Additionally, Mahomes holds a 70.7 passing grade from Pro Football Focus, a career low.
However, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who will face Mahomes and the Chiefs on Sunday, isn't buying into the narrative that the quarterback is having a down year.
"I think everyone says 'down year' just because their numbers aren't just crazy, but Pat is as good as it gets," Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. "He's been as good as it gets since the first year that he got to play. All their games, I think, except for one, have come down to the last possession, and he's as good as anyone in that last possession."
While Mahomes' 69.4 percent completion rate this season is a career-high, he has thrown six interceptions, matching his total of six touchdown passes. Despite these stats, defensive end Nick Bosa knows that stopping the Chiefs quarterback will be a tough challenge.
When asked what makes Mahomes such a formidable opponent, Bosa replied, "I think his arm strength. He's able to get the ball far distances really fast, so you don't need that much separation. And then, his way he creates plays. He likes to pump fake people and make a miss and run for first downs when you need him to. His running ability is kind of underrated. He's stout, so he's tough to bring down, and he makes good decisions."
The Chiefs' rushing attack ranks 19th in the NFL, while the team's red zone scoring percentage ranks 29th. Notably, the 49ers are only slightly better, tied with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles at the No. 25 spot.
"Their running numbers aren't quite what they were last year," Shanahan continued. "Their red zone isn't real high. So I think that equates to numbers, but Pat is Pat, and he's as good as it gets, and I don't see that changing at all."
While Shanahan isn't convinced that Mahomes is having a down year, 49ers fans hope the quarterback has a down game this Sunday at Levi's Stadium, allowing the home team to climb above .500 and continue building momentum as they approach the second half of the season.
