Patrick Mahomes has been a beacon of excellence for the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to three consecutive Super Bowls and redefining what’s possible at the quarterback position. Yet, as the 2025 NFL season approaches, a surprising wave of skepticism has emerged around Mahomes’ standing in the league. Some analysts, most notably Chris Simms, have ranked him outside the top three quarterbacks, igniting a firestorm of debate among fans and pundits alike.
The Mahomes Disrespect
Despite his recent heroics and the Chiefs’ sustained dominance, Mahomes finds himself ranked fourth in Simms’ latest quarterback list, trailing behind Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow. Simms’ reasoning centers on the notion that Mahomes has benefited from a stellar defense, suggesting that the Chiefs’ recent success owes as much to their top-five defense as to Mahomes’ individual brilliance. Simms even claims Mahomes has become more impatient, forcing throws and eschewing easy completions in favor of big plays—a far cry from the surgical precision that defined his earlier campaigns.
This line of thinking, however, misses the bigger picture. Since Mahomes became the starter, Andy Reid’s playoff record improved from a pedestrian 20% win rate to a staggering 81%. The Chiefs’ offense has weathered the loss of key weapons, endured inconsistent play at left tackle, and survived with no true WR1 or WR2 last season. Yet, Mahomes still led them to another Super Bowl, displaying poise and clutch performance that few, if any, of his contemporaries can match.
The Defensive Backbone
Much of the Chiefs’ recent success does indeed rest on the shoulders of their defense, masterminded by Steve Spagnuolo—affectionately known as “Spags.” Spags, the architect of the Giants’ legendary Super Bowl XLII victory over the then-undefeated Patriots, has now collected three rings with Kansas City. His recent appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast offered insights into the team’s defensive philosophy and the collaborative culture that has fueled their dynasty.
This year’s draft brought Spags a haul of defensive talent, including defensive tackle Omar Norman-Lott, defensive end Ashton Gellotte, and cornerback Noll Williams. Norman-Lott, in particular, has drawn praise for his high motor and immediate path to playing time, with defensive line coach Joe Cullen envisioning him as a versatile contributor on any down. Gellotte’s athleticism is off the charts, boasting a 9.75 relative athletic score, while Williams adds much-needed depth and versatility to a secondary that endured a rash of injuries last year.
The Chiefs’ defensive core remains anchored by linebacker Nick Bolton, recently re-signed to a three-year, $45 million deal. Bolton’s leadership is so integral that Spags often tells his players, “When in doubt, do whatever Nick says.” The continuity of the coaching staff—Spags, Joe Cullen, Dave Merritt, Dave Toub, Andy Heck, and, of course, Andy Reid—has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ sustained excellence.
Roster Moves and Tight End Troubles
While the defense appears primed for another strong season, the offense has faced its own set of challenges, particularly at the tight end position. Travis Kelce, the ageless All-Pro, has missed several OTA practices, while Jared Wiley rehabs a torn ACL and undrafted rookie Trey Watson nurses an injury. To address the shortage, the Chiefs signed tight end Kevin Foelsch out of New Haven. Foelsch, though not an elite athlete by NFL standards, possesses intriguing speed and has steadily improved throughout his college career, culminating in a 32-catch, 318-yard, seven-touchdown senior season.
Foelsch’s journey to Kansas City has been circuitous. Undrafted in 2024, he had brief stints with the Panthers, Jets, and Eagles practice squad but has yet to log a snap in an NFL game. With the Chiefs’ tight end room depleted, Foelsch now has an opportunity—likely as a camp body, but with a chance to prove he belongs.
To make room for Foelsch, the Chiefs waived defensive tackle Siaki Ika, who had struggled to climb the depth chart amid the additions of Jerry Tillery, Norman-Lott, Chris Jones, and Mike Pennel. The move underscores the constant churn at the fringes of NFL rosters, where dreams are made and dashed with a single transaction.
Coaching Changes and Stadium Battles
Off the field, the Chiefs have experienced coaching changes as well. Assistant special teams coach Andy Hill retired after five years, prompting a reshuffling: Porter Elliott moves into Hill’s role, while former linebackers coach Mark DeLeon returns to take over as assistant running backs coach. These moves, though minor, reflect the organization’s commitment to continuity and internal development.
Perhaps the most consequential off-field development, however, involves the future home of the Chiefs and Royals. The Missouri House recently passed a stadium incentives package, authorizing the state to issue bonds covering up to half the cost of new stadium projects. This is Missouri’s bid to keep both franchises on their side of the state line, competing with Kansas’ efforts to lure the teams away. The Chiefs are reportedly aiming to make a decision by the end of June, weighing whether to renovate Arrowhead or pursue a new stadium—either in Missouri or across the border in Kansas.
The Legacy Continues
As the Chiefs prepare for another run at glory, the debate over Mahomes’ place in the quarterback hierarchy rages on. Critics may point to statistical dips or lean on the strength of Kansas City’s defense, but the facts remain: no quarterback has done more with less in recent years, and no team has won more games since 2018. The Chiefs’ blend of elite coaching, savvy roster construction, and the transcendent talent of Patrick Mahomes has created an NFL dynasty for the ages.
Whether it’s a new stadium, a new tight end, or a new round of doubters, the Chiefs continue to meet every challenge head-on. As the city and its fans await the next chapter, one thing is certain: the heart of Chiefs Kingdom still beats strong, and as always, the rallying cry echoes—“How about those Chiefs!”
