Stephen A. Smith DESTROYS Jeff Saturday’s Take on Patrick Mahomes — Calls It “Laughable”
The NFL’s quarterback hierarchy is always a hot topic, but after a wild Week 1, the debate hit a fever pitch on ESPN’s First Take. With Josh Allen rallying the Bills to a stunning comeback against Lamar Jackson’s Ravens, the conversation quickly turned to whether Allen has surpassed Patrick Mahomes as the league’s best quarterback. Jeff Saturday made headlines by suggesting Allen is now the top choice, but Stephen A. Smith wasn’t having it—calling Saturday’s stance “laughable” and breaking down why Mahomes still holds the crown.
The MVP Debate: Allen’s Rise, Mahomes’ Reign
Chris Canty kicked off the discussion with high praise for Josh Allen, declaring, “Right now, there ain’t a quarterback in the league that I’m taking before Josh Allen. Not one.” Saturday echoed the sentiment, arguing Allen’s physical gifts and recent performances put him at the top.
But Stephen A. Smith pushed back, emphasizing Mahomes’ postseason dominance and head-to-head success against Allen. “Patrick Mahomes is 12 and 2 in the postseason, has the highest passer rating in NFL history, and is 2-0 against Josh Allen with a 125.7 passer rating and zero interceptions in those games,” Smith stated. He acknowledged Allen’s superstar status but insisted Mahomes’ resume speaks for itself.
Head-to-Head Battles: The Mahomes Advantage
Smith’s argument rested on more than just stats—it was about winning when it matters most. “I got a cat with three rings and five Super Bowl appearances playing in your conference and you don’t have one single Super Bowl appearance and you’ve lost to him twice. Come on,” Smith said.
Saturday countered that Allen couldn’t have done more in his playoff losses to Mahomes, noting that in one famous matchup, Allen left the field with the lead, only for the Bills’ defense to falter in the final seconds. Still, Smith maintained that results matter: “It’s not a lifetime achievement award, but when it counts, Mahomes delivers.”
The Physical Tools vs. The Winning Pedigree
The panel debated whether Allen’s physical gifts—his size, arm strength, and running ability—give him an edge over Mahomes. Saturday argued Allen is “playing at a tier above everyone,” thanks to his ability to extend plays and dominate with his legs.
Smith responded, “That is laughable. Can you tell me what tool Patrick Mahomes does not have in his bag?” While Allen may have physical advantages, Mahomes’ combination of talent, leadership, and clutch performances sets him apart.
The Changing Narrative: Allen’s Turnover Problem Solved?
Kimberly Martin and Canty pointed out that Allen’s biggest flaw—turnovers—seems to be behind him. The Bills have gone 23 straight games without losing the turnover battle, and Allen’s late-game heroics against the Ravens showed growth and poise under pressure.
Still, Smith argued that Mahomes’ consistency in big moments and his ability to win with both offense and defense is unmatched. “The Chiefs defense has been elite and has won a bunch of games, but Mahomes finds ways to win games. I am not taking that away from him.”
Other Quarterbacks Enter the Chat
The debate briefly touched on other elite quarterbacks. Joe Burrow’s “assassin” mentality and Super Bowl appearance earned respect, but the consensus was that Mahomes and Allen are currently in a league of their own. Lamar Jackson’s athleticism was praised, but Allen’s physical size and versatility set him apart.
The Verdict: Mahomes Still the King
In the end, Stephen A. Smith’s case for Mahomes was clear: postseason success, head-to-head victories, and a proven ability to win in the biggest moments. While Allen’s talent and recent performance are undeniable, Smith finds it “laughable” to elevate him above Mahomes just yet.
“We live in a world where we have to say one is better than the other… Josh Allen is great, but Mahomes is still the guy I want when everything is on the line.” — Stephen A. Smith
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s quarterback debate will rage all season, but after Week 1, Mahomes’ legacy and Allen’s ascendance are both front and center. For now, Stephen A. Smith’s message is simple: Don’t bet against Mahomes until someone proves they can outshine him when it matters most.
Josh Allen is elite, but Mahomes’ postseason pedigree and head-to-head dominance keep him atop the NFL quarterback mountain—no matter how “laughable” Jeff Saturday’s take may be.
