Chiefs are 6-0 for 1st time in Patrick Mahomes era, and unconventional win vs. 49ers — with help from ‘dad bod’ — is a reminder why

Patrick Mahomes wasn’t looking for contact.

But as he scurried up the middle of the pocket on fourth-and-goal, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback burrowed forward to cover the yard to the end zone.

And the 225-pound father of three wasn’t going to be stopped by a rookie safety making contact with his left shoulder.

So the San Francisco 49ers’ Malik Mustapha was knocked backward as Mahomes scored the game-sealing touchdown standing up.

“I actually was not trying to lower my shoulder,” Mahomes said. “I was trying to absorb the hit because I was going to be right there in the end zone. But that dad bod, man. Had enough weight on me where he went down.

“Just ended up looking good for me.”

The Chiefs’ result looked better than Mahomes’ passing stats in a 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

The first 6-0 start of Mahomes’ career arrived on a day when he produced the lowest passer rating of his 102 career games.

Mahomes’ 44.4 passer rating was about half of his 88.9 passer rating this season, and far below the 102.9 passer he’s averaged across his career.

And still: His squad won by 10 points.

Part of that reflects the many contributions from teammates and coaches, leading Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid — the two most-credited Chiefs dynasty architects — eager to praise everyone but themselves.

And part of that reflects Mahomes’ ability not only to always command defensive attention and respect, but also to shape-shift his strengths to how he needs it when he needs it.

No, the quarterback’s six passing touchdowns and eight interceptions this season are not the winning formula.

But do the Chiefs really need to rely on one single formula to win games?

“Patrick had a couple turnovers himself, but they win those gritty games,” 49ers tight end George Kittle said. “[They’re] a team that knows how to win.”

Chiefs vs. 49ers featured no-fly zone

A chaotic passing game day was ironic.

An entertainment-forward league showcasing its defending…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-21 04:07:52

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