Former NFL Coach Has Bold Claim About Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Sometimes, all you need is a doink — just ask the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs escaped with a nail-biting win over the Los Angeles Chargers, 19-17, on Sunday, after third-string kicker Matthew Wright converted a 31-yard goal. The ball hit the left post before going through the uprights, giving Kansas City its third straight victory.
The Chiefs improved to 12-1 and clinched the AFC West title for the ninth consecutive year.
While Patrick Mahomes and company are on track in their quest for an unprecedented three-peat, they have been heavily challenged. The Chiefs have had to pull off some late-game magic in recent weeks.
Former coach Rex Ryan didn’t mince words when talking about the Chiefs and their too-close-for-comfort finishes.
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“They’re vulnerable to any team, and I’ve said that before — any team,” Ryan said on Monday. “Because teams you think they’re going to blow out, they don’t. Here’s why: They’re the least explosive offense in the National Football League.
“That’s a crazy stat! You have one of the greatest quarterbacks we’ve ever seen, and you don’t have any explosives on offense. Now, part of that is because they don’t protect the quarterback.”
The two-point triumph over the Chargers was the Chiefs’ 10th win this season in a game decided by seven points or less.
Mahomes was thrice sacked by the Chargers, upping his total to 35 this season. He was sacked at least three times for the third straight game.
“I’ve had to stop a lot of teams, as a coordinator, head coach, whatever, I’d sign up any day of the week to play against Kansas City right now,” added Ryan, who helped the Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl in 2001 as a defensive coordinator.
However, Ryan clarified that the Chiefs are nearly impossible to beat in a close game with the 29-year-old Mahomes under center.
“In the last two minutes, oh, hell no, I don’t want to sign up to play that guy,” added Ryan, who was hounded by controversies when he coached the New York Jets. “No chance.”