Two weeks ago in Detroit, the Chiefs got the ball back with 2 minutes, 26 seconds left trailing 30-27. By traditional logic, the onus was on them, the odds against a comeback.
But if youve been paying attention in this exhilarating Patrick Mahomes era, chances are you felt more faith than mere hope and just wondered how it work out instead of if it would.
That feeling was further bolstered by a nine-play, 79-yard drive for the winning touchdown that day, because, Mahomes had emerged as the answer to about any question or dilemma for the Chiefs.
But after the Chiefs lost 31-24 to Houston Sunday to suffer a second straight loss at Arrowhead Stadium, the questions only are multiplying in ways that even Mahomes cant eclipse or alleviate including a question that must be asked about him unless youre in utter denial.
Just because Mahomes can play on an obviously hobbled ankle, just because even at whatever lessened percentage of full health he is now he still is better than most of the league, are the Chiefs doing the right thing in the broader framework of the season to keep playing him while having him in the best possible health later will be crucial?
Does his greatness warp the perspective on this, especially as the Chiefs strive postseason pole position?
Put differently, would he be better off on crutches for a bit than being the Chiefs crutch now?
Call them rhetorical questions, but arent they worth thinking about more than the Chiefs seem to be?
Listen, hes done a pretty good job the last couple weeks. Hes made some nice throws, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. Im not telling you it doesnt hurt, but hes doing a nice job.
Indeed, Mahomes had a good game Sunday, completing 19 of 35 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns including two to Tyreek Hill, who was playing for the first time since the season opener.
Although Mahomes threw his first interception of the season, its also true that it was largely because of officials botching an interpretation of a call with the Chiefs driving toward a chance to go up 24-9 and administer a semi-knockout blow.
But Mahomes also obviously is having to compensate for the ankle injury he suffered in the opener. It was aggravated last week when it was stepped on hard by one of his own linemen.
Then it was, well, not exactly aggravated when he was hit hard by two Houston linemen Sunday.
Smiling at the question, Mahomes said, I dont know if I necessarily aggravated it; a big dude just fell on it. So even if it was hurt before, or wasnt hurt, it would have hurt anyway just from that guy falling on it.
I cant swear to this, but I believe when Mahomes is hurt he does his best to actually swagger some to hide the limp.
