In a recent episode of “First Take,” NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe highlighted the growing concerns surrounding Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs as they adjust to life without star receiver Tyreek Hill. Sharpe noted that Mahomes might be facing a predicament similar to what Tom Brady encountered during his mid-career Super Bowl drought. “At some point, as great a quarterback as you are, and we saw that with Tom Brady, as the talent pool started to drain in New England, even his greatness wasn’t able to lift a sinking ship,” Sharpe stated.

The Chiefs, known for their explosive offense, have struggled to maintain their previous level of dominance, particularly since Hill’s departure. While Mahomes has achieved remarkable success, including a Super Bowl victory, his recent performance has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. With just six touchdowns and five interceptions this season, Mahomes‘ statistics suggest a decline from the breathtaking heights he previously reached, where he threw for 50 touchdowns in a single season.

Challenges ahead as Mahomes adjusts

The departure of Hill has placed increased pressure on Mahomes, especially as key players like Travis Kelce continue to age. Sharpe’s analysis draws a stark comparison to Brady’s years in New England, where he faced similar struggles as the team’s talent around him dwindled. Between 2005 and 2013, Brady led his team deep into the playoffs but was unable to clinch another championship, with many attributing this slump to a lackluster supporting cast.

Mahomes‘ recent struggles mirror those of Brady during his mid-career slump, as he has not maintained the same scoring efficiency that made him a household name. His performance has been inconsistent, with a troubling trend emerging where he has either a 1:1 touchdown-interception ratio or worse in his last nine regular-season games. This raises the question of whether the Chiefs can continue to rely on their defense and overall situational football to succeed, especially if Mahomes cannot regain his elite form.

Despite winning a Super Bowl during this rough patch, Mahomes‘ production level has become a concern. Historically, quarterbacks with declining performance face difficulties in sustaining long-term success, prompting analysts to question whether the Chiefs can adapt to their new reality without the firepower that once defined their offense.

As Mahomes navigates this challenging phase, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his performance and the team’s ability to evolve without key players. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether the Chiefs can overcome these hurdles and reclaim their spot as one of the NFL’s elite teams.