Dan Orlovsky: Mahomes Is Still the NFL’s Best — And the Chiefs Are Winning the Super Bowl

The NFL is in the midst of a golden era of quarterback play. With names like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen headlining the league, debates rage on about who truly sits atop the quarterback hierarchy. On a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Dan Orlovsky, Jeremy Fowler, and other analysts discussed the results of a poll of over 50 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, which once again placed Mahomes at number one. But as the panel made clear, the gap between Mahomes and his peers may be narrower than ever. Let’s break down the arguments, context, and what it all means for the 2025 NFL season.

The Executive Poll: Mahomes Still No. 1

Jeremy Fowler revealed the results of his annual quarterback poll, compiled from conversations with over 50 NFL insiders. The list, though not his own, reflects the consensus of those most closely tied to the game. Once again, Patrick Mahomes topped the chart, garnering 60% of first-place votes. This is significant, but as Fowler noted, the “door’s cracked”—the grip Mahomes once had on the top spot is slipping, ever so slightly.

Several factors contribute to this shift:
– Statistical Dip: Mahomes’ numbers have dipped somewhat over the past two years. Once a perennial leader in QBR, he has fallen to eighth in this metric.
– Super Bowl Loss: The Chiefs’ Super Bowl defeat to the Eagles was a sobering moment, and the offense has looked less dominant.
– Adversity: Despite these challenges—injuries to Travis Kelce, offensive line shuffling, and inexperienced receivers—Mahomes still led his team to 17 wins (including playoffs) in what many considered a “down year.”

The Chasers: Burrow, Allen, and Jackson

The panel was quick to acknowledge the rise of Mahomes’ challengers. Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson all had arguably the best seasons of their careers in 2024. Each brings a unique style and skill set, and all are in their late 20s, poised to seize the moment.

Dan Orlovsky argued that, based purely on last season’s play, Mahomes was fourth among the top four quarterbacks. He emphasized that the gap between Mahomes and the rest has “never been this small.” Yet, Orlovsky was careful to point out the key difference: Mahomes has consistently played his best when it mattered most—on the biggest stages, in the most pressure-packed moments. This clutch factor is something the other three have yet to consistently demonstrate.

The Mahomes Standard: Clutch Over Stats

Damien Woody reinforced this point. Despite a diminished supporting cast—an aging Kelce, offensive line issues, and injuries to key receivers—Mahomes still guided the Chiefs to the Super Bowl. Woody’s argument: it’s not just about regular season stats or MVP trophies; to be the best, you have to “climb Mount Mahomes” and beat him when it counts. So far, none of his rivals have done that.

The panel noted that while Allen, Burrow, and Jackson have three MVPs between them, they’re a combined 0-3 in AFC title games. Until one of them dethrones Mahomes in the postseason, he remains the standard.

The Case for Joe Burrow

When pressed on who is currently playing the position at the highest level, Fowler said that many around the league believe Joe Burrow is the best pure quarterback. Burrow’s decision-making, accuracy, and anticipation are unrivaled. He’s the third quarterback ever to throw for 40 touchdowns and miss the playoffs—a testament to his individual brilliance, even if team success hasn’t always followed.

However, questions linger about whether the Bengals are maximizing Burrow’s window. Issues with the offensive line and defense have forced Burrow to carry an outsized load. The panel compared his situation to Matthew Stafford’s years in Detroit, cautioning that Cincinnati must avoid wasting a generational talent.

The Modern Quarterback: More Than “Neck Up”

The discussion also touched on the evolving nature of the quarterback position. While Burrow excels “from the neck up,” Orlovsky and others argued that today’s NFL demands more. Mobility, escapability, and the ability to make plays outside the structure are now prerequisites for greatness. Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson all bring this dimension, further complicating the rankings.

Additionally, the supporting cast matters. Burrow has two elite receivers, Jackson has a wealth of weapons, and Allen did more with less last year. The debate, then, is not just about individual brilliance, but also context—who elevates their team the most?

The AFC Gauntlet

The panel marveled at the strength of the AFC, where the top quarterbacks reside. The path to the Super Bowl is a gauntlet, and the burden on these stars is immense. The consensus: to truly join Mahomes at the summit, his rivals must beat him when it matters most—not just rack up regular season accolades.

The Road Ahead: 2025’s Biggest Questions

As training camps open, the panel posed their biggest questions for the upcoming season:

– Can Allen or Jackson finally break through and win a Super Bowl?
– Are the Bengals wasting Burrow’s prime?
– How will Jared Goff fare without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in Detroit?
– What’s happening at quarterback in Cleveland?

The answers to these questions will shape the narrative of the 2025 season and may finally determine whether Mahomes remains the league’s top dog—or if a new king will be crowned.

Conclusion

The quarterback debate is as fierce as ever, and while Patrick Mahomes retains the top spot according to league insiders, the margin is slimmer than ever. Clutch performance, adaptability, and the ability to elevate a team in adversity remain Mahomes’ calling cards. But with Burrow, Allen, and Jackson all nipping at his heels, the 2025 season promises drama, competition, and perhaps a changing of the guard. For now, though, the NFL’s road to glory still runs through Kansas City—and through Patrick Mahomes.