In this edition of Baldy’s Breakdown, Brian Baldinger delves into the debut of Patrick Mahomes, showcasing why he believes Mahomes is ready to lead the Kansas City Chiefs. Baldinger begins with Mahomes’ first NFL play against the Denver Broncos, highlighting a drag slide concept. With snow gently falling in Denver, Mahomes faces a challenging situation as he fakes a handoff to Kareem Hunt and slides outside, leaving Shaquille Barrett unblocked. Despite the pressure, Mahomes delivers a pass to DeMarcus Robinson, demonstrating his toughness and ability to withstand NFL-level hits.
Baldinger then transitions to Mahomes’ first NFL completion, a critical third-and-ten play where he spreads out the Denver defense in a three-by-two set. Observing the safeties, Mahomes identifies the coverage and throws a perfect pass to Demetrius Harris down the seam. This aggressive and accurate throw highlights Mahomes’ ability to read defenses and make crucial plays, proving his potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Next, Baldinger emphasizes Mahomes’ ability to perform tasks critics doubted, such as taking a snap, executing play-action fakes, and resetting his eyes downfield. In another play, Mahomes feels the pressure, steps up into the pocket, and delivers a pinpoint pass to Albert Wilson for a first down. His poise and precision in these situations indicate his readiness to lead the Chiefs. Baldinger concludes by showcasing Mahomes’ first NFL touchdown pass, where he evades Von Miller and Shaquille Barrett, throws on the run, and hits DeMarcus Robinson. This play encapsulates Mahomes’ extraordinary talent and potential, suggesting a bright future for him and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mahomes’ ability to make difficult throws under pressure, read defenses accurately, and perform beyond expectations highlights his readiness to be the Chiefs’ starting quarterback. His debut performance, filled with impressive plays, signals the beginning of a promising career. As Baldinger notes, Mahomes’ skill set and poise on the field will be crucial for the Chiefs as they look to overcome their third-and-long struggles and make a deep run in the playoffs.