Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is willing to take more risks with a specific aspect of his game during the postseason
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is known for putting it all on the line during the postseason. He has made several memorable plays in the 18 playoff games that he's played in, both with his arm and legs. When you think of running quarterbacks, Mahomes probably isn't one of the first few that come […]
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is known for putting it all on the line during the postseason.
He has made several memorable plays in the 18 playoff games that he's played in, both with his arm and legs. When you think of running quarterbacks, Mahomes probably isn't one of the first few that come to mind, but he's certainly capable when he wants to be.
It's very frustrating for defenders when Mahomes decides to run because they have to respect his ability to make all the throws, and he has just enough speed to pick up the necessary yardage that he needs.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mahomes talked about the difference between running the ball during the regular season and the playoffs.
“Yeah, I think just – you just know that in the regular season, I don’t want to say you’re not trying to get injured but you’re trying to protect yourself knowing that it’s a long season," Mahomes said. "Whereas when you’re in the playoffs you might take a few more chances here and there to try and get those first downs (and) get those big runs and big moments."
Mahomes is no stranger to making big runs during big playoff moments. His touchdown rush just before halftime against the Tennessee Titans in 2019 is one of the most legendary plays of his career, as he juked a defender near the sidelines and broke multiple tackles at the goal line while spinning into the endzone.
Not to be forgotten is Mahomes' 26-yard scramble on his bad ankle against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. That run set the Chiefs up for the eventual game-winning field goal. Mahomes went on to elaborate that he's willing to go the extra mile with his legs because every possession is critical in the postseason.
"You want to protect yourself as well but at the same time you might try and run for a few extra yards to get that first down knowing that it’s such a big possession – every possession is a huge possession in the playoffs," Mahomes said. "I have some athletic ability, so I like to run sometimes in the playoffs, but I’ll try to protect myself as well.”
Mahomes is definitely a pass-first QB, but if nothing is open down field or if he has a big hole in front of him, he won't hesitate to pull the ball down and run. On that same note, if he's met by a defender near the first-down marker or goal line, Mahomes will lower his shoulder and do everything he can to get the extra yards.
