The Atlanta Falcons face the unenviable task of slowing down Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, both of whom have been incredibly successful and have earned their respective names a place in the GOAT conversation. Yet there is a notable trend in the last three games Mahomes has played there.
Mahomes has made it clear that he prefers to bomb by throwing the ball down the field and consistently trying to make the big plays. That’s understandable and speaks to the greatness of a quarterback who is tired of the predictable underthrows and checkdowns defenses try to throw at him.
That mentality is understandable for a player who was used to Hill racing down the field and a top-notch Travis Kelce finding ways to get lost on defense. However, those players aren’t coming through the door and the lack of elite talent and youth at the skill positions is showing.
Mahomes has lost the ball in three straight games and thrown 4 interceptions. Last week there was a clear argument that Mahomes should have thrown a 5th towards the end of the game against the Bengals, which was a questionable decision. Atlanta’s only hope in this game is that this trend continues for Mahomes and they get more possessions.
You can’t beat this Chiefs team without playing keep away and winning the battle for possession. That’s Atlanta’s only way to pull off the upset, and Patrick’s recent history suggests that’s not entirely impossible.
It’s likely that Mahomes will throw at least one ball within reach. The Falcons must be ready to take advantage and continue the trend that has allowed the 49ers, Ravens and Bengals to keep up. Although, to be fair, none of the trio has managed to finish the job. It’s a healthy dose of cynicism that the same won’t be true for Atlanta.
