Anticipating the Return: Mahomes' Post-Injury Playstyle
Surtain's Candid Assessment of Mahomes' Comeback and Expected Performance
Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos shared his insights this week regarding the form in which Patrick Mahomes is expected to appear at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14th. This date marks just under nine months since the Chiefs' quarterback underwent surgery on his left knee. Mahomes sustained tears to both his ACL and LCL on December 14th during a game against the Chargers, following a scramble, and had surgical intervention two days later. Initially, a nine-month recovery period was projected. Since his clearance for football activities in July, he has diligently participated in every practice session. Notably, this will be the first time in his professional career that he has not played in a preseason game.
Strategic Adjustments for Mahomes: A Shift Towards Pocket Passing?
“It’s truly challenging to predict, as recovering from such an injury is arduous, but I anticipate nothing less than his usual stellar performance,” Surtain remarked. “Certainly, the Chiefs might alter their offensive strategy to some extent, perhaps reducing his rushing attempts. However, as you noted, he’s exceptionally proficient as a pocket passer. Ultimately, he remains Patrick Mahomes, so we must prepare and analyze his play with the same rigor as in previous seasons. We will be ready.”
Mahomes' Running Game: An Evolving Element of His Play
Last season, Mahomes recorded 64 carries for 422 yards across 14 games, with his year-ending injury occurring during a scramble outside the pocket. Andy Reid, the Chiefs' coach, has not publicly disclosed his plans for Mahomes' future rushing usage. Surtain's observations preempted Kansas City's own discussions on potential adjustments. The Broncos have recent, direct experience playing against a fully healthy Mahomes. Last season, Denver achieved its first sweep of the Chiefs since 2014, securing victories at home in Week 11 and again at Arrowhead on Christmas Day. The Broncos concluded the season with a 14-3 record, clinched the AFC's top seed, but fell to New England 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game after Bo Nix suffered a right ankle injury during the divisional round victory over Buffalo.
Mahomes' Passing Statistics and the Broncos' Defensive Challenge
Nix is set to return for this upcoming game, making it the fourth encounter between him and Mahomes, and the first where both quarterbacks are coming off surgery. Kansas City finished the previous season with a 6-11 record, managed only one win in nine single-score games, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes accumulated 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in those 14 games, figures notably lower than his 2022 performance, where he led the league with 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns. Thus, the questions Surtain is addressing were already pertinent even before Mahomes' knee injury. A strategy focused on confining Mahomes to the pocket also presents a formidable challenge against a Denver defense that has led the NFL in sacks for the past two consecutive seasons.
