The Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Philadelphia Eagles in the top game of the 11th NFL matchday. It becomes clear: The team’s management is letting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes down. Commentary.

The Kansas City Chiefs lost the rematch of the last Super Bowl 17:21 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chiefs even had a chance for a game-winning drive towards the end of the game – but wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling dropped a pass just before the end zone.

The Chiefs offense has looked less explosive all season than we are used to seeing from Head Coach Andy Reid and Co. The final drive against the Eagles was a microcosm of the problems so far.

One thing became clear: The Chiefs’ front office has done star quarterback Patrick Mahomes a disservice. They are letting their star quarterback down.

Yes, Mahomes also made mistakes in the loss: He threw a terrible interception in the end zone and only completed 55.8 percent of his throws. However, the Chiefs’ offensive line had massive problems protecting their playmaker.

Mega-contract for O-lineman Jawaan Taylor turns into a debacle

Jawaan Taylor’s signing was hailed as a coup in the offseason – but now the right tackle’s 80-million-dollar contract is increasingly turning into a complete disaster.

Taylor has already conceded twelve penalties – no one in the NFL has more. And the 25-year-old is still doing well with that – not all of his holding penalties have been called by the referees.

His counterpart on the left, Donovan Smith, is doing slightly better. But even against the top teams, he doesn’t look like the sure anchor that an O-line needs for a Super Bowl victory. And for the Chiefs, that’s all that matters.

What happens when the Chiefs can’t protect Mahomes properly was seen in the 2021 Super Bowl. Back then, there was a clear defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kansas City Chiefs: A top receiver is missing

When the O-line held in the top game against the Eagles and Mahomes served up a perfect pass, Valdes-Scantling let him down. Not a new phenomenon for the former Packer.

Since 2018, he’s dropped five passes that have traveled more than 30 yards in the air. No other receiver has more than three such drops in that span.

It’s missing a true No. 1 receiver. Mahomes would probably even be happy if one of his pass catchers played like a solid No. 2 – currently that’s not the case.

Even in last year’s Super Bowl win, the Chiefs didn’t have a star receiver and beat the Eagles in an offensive spectacle.

Patrick Mahomes should handle it alone

Nevertheless, the Chiefs’ management should have learned their lessons from this very successful season and eliminated weaknesses. That’s the difference between a good team and a team that can shape a dynasty.

The Taylor signing has proven to be a blatant mistake so far and no improvements were made at receiver before the trade deadline, even though this Achilles heel of the offense was clear for all to see.

There’s a certain arrogance in believing Mahomes can turn any rookie into a top receiver. That it doesn’t matter who he throws his passes to. Only a strong tight end like Travis Kelce, who is already thinking about the end of his career, is not enough.

Even Tom Brady once had to learn the hard way how expensive dropped balls in the Super Bowl can be.

Mahomes’ longtime coach is missing

A former pillar of Mahomes’ coaching staff is also missing: Eric Bieniemy. The Chiefs’ longtime offensive coordinator turned the NFL-inexperienced Sam Howell into the current league leader in passing yards with the Washington Commanders.

Reid was already responsible for the playcalling in Kansas City back then – but Bieniemy’s input was certainly valuable.

The Chiefs have one of the best – if not THE best – quarterbacks in the NFL in Mahomes. He can paper over a lot of minor cracks in the offensive facade. But even the 28-year-old is only human, he will make mistakes.

If he then also has to compensate for the mistakes of those around him, it will be difficult against the top teams. If the Chiefs continue to play like they have so far, they won’t be able to defend their Super Bowl title.