Patrick Mahomes: Redefining the Quarterback Position

When Patrick Mahomes was drafted 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, few could have predicted the immediate and profound impact he would have on the quarterback position in just a few short years. In his first season as a starter in 2018, Mahomes threw for over 5000 yards and 50 touchdowns, winning MVP honors and leading the Chiefs to the AFC Championship. His incredible playmaking ability and penchant for highlight-reel throws left fans and analysts in awe.

Two seasons later, Mahomes had cemented his status as the best quarterback in the NFL and led Kansas City to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years. His unprecedented success at such a young age has forced the league to re-evaluate what it takes to be an elite modern quarterback. While debate continues around whether Mahomes has truly redefined the position, there is no doubt that he is influencing how both teams scout quarterbacks and how the game is played under center.

Playing Outside the Pocket

One of Mahomes’ greatest strengths is his ability to extend plays and make off-schedule throws. At 6’3 with exceptional athleticism, he is a nightmare for defenses to contain when he escapes the pocket. All quarterbacks are asked to move within the pocket to avoid pressure, but few can match Mahomes’ combination of scrambling ability and downfield throwing accuracy on the run.

Traditionally, quarterbacks were evaluated primarily on their mechanics, decision making and accuracy from the pocket. Mobile quarterbacks who relied too heavily on their legs were seen as risky investments. But Mahomes has shown that elite rushing and passing skills can be combined for maximum impact within the structure of the offense. He challenges defenses that are designed to defend the pass when a quarterback stays in the pocket. Linebackers and safeties must be ready to both defend against designed QB runs as well as scramble drills when Mahomes breaks contain.

This aspect of Mahomes’ game has influenced how some teams now evaluate the position. Quarterbacks with above average athleticism and rushing skills are increasingly viewed as assets rather than liabilities if they can still thrive as passers from the pocket. Players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields have all benefited from Mahomes raising the ceiling for what dual-threat quarterbacks can achieve at the NFL level. Offenses are also adapting more spread, movement-based concepts to take advantage of mobile quarterbacks who can damage defenses both through the air and on the ground.

Creative Throws

In addition to his legs, Mahomes possesses an almost superhuman arm that allows him to fit throws into impossibly tight windows. But what truly sets him apart is his creativity and willingness to try off-platform, unconventional throws that most quarterbacks would avoid. No-look passes, left-handed throws, sidearm bullets – Mahomes has made a highlight reel out of throws that most consider low-percentage risks.

His creativity keeps defenses constantly guessing about where the ball may end up. It also opens up new passing lanes as defenders have to respect the possibility of a throw from any angle. The attention paid to Mahomes’ rare talents allows his teammates to exploit space created elsewhere on the field. Coaches and teammates praise his fearlessness and confidence in trying anything to move the sticks, even when conventional wisdom would advise against it.

This aspect of Mahomes’ game may be the most difficult for other quarterbacks to emulate. Arm strength and athleticism can be improved through training and experience, but natural creativity is more of an innate trait. It has led teams to place a higher priority on the intangible mental makeup of quarterback prospects. The willingness and confidence to try the unprecedented, even if it fails, is now viewed as an increasingly important trait for quarterbacks looking to reach the elite tier. While not every quarterback can have Mahomes’ highlight reel, teams want players willing to think outside the box.

Emphasis on Playmaking

Perhaps Mahomes’ greatest influence has been a shift in how teams evaluate and prioritize quarterback traits. For decades, the ideal prototype was a pure pocket passer with excellent mechanics and decision making. Mobile quarterbacks were often cast aside due to concerns about longevity and an over-reliance on athleticism masking flaws as a passer.

But Mahomes’ otherworldly combination of passing and playmaking skills has forced a rethink of these old biases. His ability to create off-script and make something out of nothing with his legs or unconventional throws gives the Chiefs a near unstoppable dimension to their offense. Teams can no longer ignore a quarterback’s playmaking traits and ability to take over a game in favor of prioritizing pure passing.

The success of Mahomes and other new breed dual-threat stars like Jackson and Allen has shown that playmaking skills should be as highly valued as traditional passing attributes. It has led front offices and scouting departments to place a greater emphasis on a quarterback’s intangibles, creativity, and ability to extend plays rather than dismissing them due to concerns about running too much.

Players who may have been downgraded in the past for their athleticism are now getting longer looks. Quarterback prospects with the combination of strong arms and above average speed and agility are rising up draft boards. Coaches are also more willing to build offenses catered towards a quarterback’s unique talents rather than trying to fit them into a rigid system. This represents a philosophical shift from preferring pocket passers to valuing dynamic playmakers who can take over in any situation.

Lasting Influence

While it’s too early to say definitively that Mahomes has completely rewritten the criteria for evaluating quarterbacks, his unprecedented early success has undoubtedly influenced how the position is viewed around the league. No quarterback in history has achieved such gaudy statistical heights so quickly or made the type of off-platform, highlight throws that have become his trademark. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, creativity and confidence under pressure is unlike anything seen before.

Whether future quarterbacks can truly replicate the magic remains to be seen. But there is no doubt Mahomes has inspired the next generation of players. Young quarterbacks entering the league are studying his tape, trying to adopt elements of his playmaking style into their own games. Offensive schemes are evolving to better utilize dual-threat talents under center. And teams are more willing to bet on raw, toolsy quarterbacks who may need development as passers if they show Mahomes-like playmaking upside.

While debates will continue around whether any one player can truly redefine a position, Mahomes’ early career success has forced long-held beliefs about what makes an elite quarterback to be re-examined. He has expanded the criteria by proving a dynamic, creative playmaker can thrive running a modern NFL offense. Whether future stars follow the new Mahomes model or forge their own path, his influence on how the game is played and evaluated from the game’s most important position will be felt for years to come.