Game Against Broncos a Must-Win for Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs, Says Stephen A. Smith

Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs' playoffs are on the line in their Week 11 clash against the Denver Broncos.

Game Against Broncos a Must-Win for Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs, Says Stephen A. Smith

Patrick Mahomes and Stephen A. Smith (Image via Imago)

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This season, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs were supposed to be using the motivation from their Super Bowl LIX loss to spearhead a run for another Vince Lombardi trophy.

After starting in the worst possible manner in the superstar QB’s time with the team, they rebounded with 5 wins out of their next 6 games. Die-hard Chiefs fans believed their team was about to destroy everyone in their path.

However, some others were not convinced and pointed out some concerns after watching them play. Those problems magnified in their Week 9 loss to Josh Allen and his Buffalo Bills.

For reference, even the latter has not had a good run of its own, which posed serious questions about the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations. Returning from their bye week, they will be playing the Denver Broncos at their home.

It’s definitely Kansas City. You are 2 games out, you lose this game, you are 3 games out. You lose this game, I think you don’t have a chance of winning the AFC West.

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

This was the ESPN analyst’s response when show host Shae Cornette asked him which between the Chiefs and Broncos needs this win more. He believes that since this is an AFC West clash, Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs could jeopardize their playoff chances if they lose.

Stephen A. Smith points out where Patrick Mahomes has to be careful

While talking about the Kansas City Chiefs, Stephen A. Smith pointed out how their opponents have also been struggling of late. However, he believes the Denver Broncos have one thing going for them, which is a major headache for Patrick Mahomes.

QB hits has been Patrick Mahomes' Kryptonite
QB hits have been Patrick Mahomes’ Kryptonite (Image via DraftKings Network/X)

Their defense is no joke. They can get to the QB. A plus 35 sack differential, that is the largest through 10 games in NFL history… We know that is Patrick Mahomes’ Kryptonite. We’ve seen that in the two Super Bowls he has lost.

Stephen A. Smith said

The 58-year-old analyst harked back to how the Philadelphia Eagles manhandled Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. With that reference, and with the kind of consistent form the Broncos’ defense is in, Smith believes this will be a tall task for the Chiefs.

He also reiterated the sense of urgency the latter have to operate in. If Patrick Mahomes and his offense cannot do their part against that Broncos’ defense, they could undermine their season.

Skip Bayless believes Patrick Mahomes will bring out his elite best

Stephen A. Smith’s warning to Patrick Mahomes was not illogical, as he stated with facts what the star QB was up against. Smith’s former colleague and good friend, Skip Bayless, was of the opposite mindset.

The wicked witch is coming to your house… The wicked witch is just too good against this team (the Broncos) in a division game. I’m saying he goes in there and says, ‘Watch this.’

Skip Bayless said on The Arena

The longtime analyst cited the Wicked Witch (Mahomes)’s 13-1 record against the Denver Broncos when pointing to his penchant for performing well against certain teams.

On top of that, Bayless reminded viewers that Patrick Mahomes will have his entire receiving core back and healthy. The former Undisputed host believes the star QB will be back at his elite best, zipping passes in ways the Broncos defense might not anticipate.

Along with the fact that it will be the Chiefs who will be going in with their backs against the wall, Bayless believes the onus will be on the Broncos to try and stop the 3-time Super Bowl MVP.

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