Former Chiefs Offensive Lineman Defends Patrick Mahomes from Critics
Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss, many have criticized Patrick Mahomes as though they have forgotten all that he has accomplished in his career. Before the disappointing defeat in Super Bowl 59, Mahomes had already played in four Super Bowls, winning three of them, including the last two.
The Chiefs were aiming to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, but even though that didn’t happen, the backlash against Mahomes is excessive, given that he had already won three championships by the age of 29. While Mahomes’ performance in the Super Bowl was subpar, and we should hold off on labeling him the G.O.A.T. for now, the intense criticism of him as if he’s a failure is completely unjustified.
Luckily, some level-headed individuals, such as former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitch Schwartz, are stepping up to defend Mahomes. Schwartz spoke out on Tuesday evening, expressing his disbelief over the criticism Mahomes has received.
“Someone explain how a 29-year-old’s legacy is ruined because one bad game, after the best 7-year career start in history and coming so close to winning three straight Super Bowls, erases all of that?” Schwartz asked.
Mitch Schwartz is stunned by the harsh treatment of Patrick Mahomes Schwartz went on to highlight several “mistakes” in Tom Brady’s career, pointing out the 2008 Super Bowl loss and missing the playoffs early on.
“Brady had a 16-0 team and lost to a 10-6 team. He missed the playoffs in his second year as a starter. He lost multiple playoff games to teams that threw for under 100 yards, but that’s overlooked because it wasn’t in the Super Bowl?” Schwartz added.
The recency bias surrounding Mahomes and Brady is evident, but it’s also worth noting that, for the past two years, Mahomes has been largely untouchable in terms of criticism. However, now that he not only lost the Super Bowl but did so with a poor performance, people seem eager to take shots.
But Schwartz wasn’t done.
“The narrative has gotten strange where you not only have to win championships, but now you’re penalized for a Super Bowl loss, even when you’re achieving things that are unprecedented before turning 30. Brady may be the most accomplished QB ever, but it will take years before their resumes are truly comparable.”
Schwartz’s points are spot on, and it’s refreshing to hear someone speak with reason. Yes, Mahomes had a poor Super Bowl, but getting there in the first place was historic. Sadly, it seems we’ll continue to hear about this performance and the claim that “Mahomes isn’t as good as everyone thought” for a long time.
