Stephen A. Smith “drops” Patrick Mahomes’ undefeated Chiefs down a peg
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have received nearly ubiquitous praise in the analyst community. As an undefeated quarterback who has won the last two Super Bowls, it is hard to argue with No. 15. However, Stephen A. Smith downplayed some of the hype for the team on his top-five ranking this week, but it took Shannon Sharpe to point out the drop.
In a clip from ESPN's "First Take," Smith revealed the Chiefs at number two and said:
"That defense is something that we cannot ignore. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave them a run for their money last night.... Clearly one of the top two teams in the NFL.... It's fluid because guess what? We can't deny who's number one right now the way the Detroit Lions are looking."
Sharpe challenged Smith's opinion on dropping the Chiefs to second-place in his ranking:
"I don't know how a team is undefeated, they win the game in overtime and they drop."
Of course, the Chiefs won the game in the end, but it took every punch available. Toward the end of the Monday Night Football showdown, it took Andy Reid pulling out exotic play formations to win the game in overtime.
Not only that, while Mahomes looked somewhat like he did in past years throughout the contest, one could point to the quality of his competition.
Patrick Mahomes' first throwing clinic of the season comes with important caveat
The Chiefs quarterback threw for a season-high three touchdowns in the win over the Buccaneers. Some are pointing to the addition of DeAndre Hopkins as the catalyst, while Chiefs fans may argue that Mahomes simply hasn't needed to win with his arm.
Of course, while putting on a clinic through the air on MNF is always impressive, he did it against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers low-rated defense. The Buccaneers are ranked in 29th place in total yards allowed per game and 29th in passing yards allowed.
As such, while it was encouraging for Chiefs fans to be reminded that Mahomes can win games with his arm, there will be tougher defenses ahead starting next week. Mahomes faces the Denver Broncos, who won by a score of 24-9 last season and have a defense that is ranked sixth in average passing yards allowed per game.
Will Patrick Mahomes deliver a performance next week to give Stephen A. Smith pause?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "First Take," and H/T Sportskeeda.