Is it possible that the Chiefs are having more fun this season — through a 5-3 start — than they did even a year ago when they grinded their way to a 15-2 regular-season mark on their way to a Super Bowl appearance?
There’s certainly a case to be made.
For one, the offense last season never rolled like this. Mahomes, in particular, was at his best in the chaos on Monday, thriving in scramble-mode situations while consistently finding open teammates who were more than willing to freelance with him.
NFL’s Next Gen Stats accurately told that story. When he had more than four seconds to throw against the Commanders, Mahomes was 8-for-9 for 149 yards, with all three of his touchdown passes coming in that situation.
In addition, Mahomes scrambled on a season-high 28 percent of his dropbacks, with those plays producing 31 rushing yards and 4-of-6 passing for 52 yards.
“We have a good feel,” Mahomes said, “of finding those open places.”