Arrowhead Pride
Our Mark Gunnels takes on all your hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions.
In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.
I couldn’t agree more.
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t make any splash moves offensively because an argument can be made that it wasn’t necessary. The most significant addition for any team would be Rashee Rice, who is back from injury.
Before going down in Week 4 last season, Rice was on pace for nearly 1,400 receiving yards. According to Patrick Mahomes, Rice appears to be back to his pre-injury form.
If that’s the case, it’s difficult to argue against this being the best collection of weapons Mahomes has ever had. Mahomes eventually played with Hollywood Brown last season but not until Week 16.
Rice and Brown were supposed to be the top two receivers last season, and by the end of the year, Xavier Worthy had grasped the offense. Now, you’re getting Year 2 of Worthy in addition to everything else returning.
In this reply, I have yet to mention tight end Travis Kelce, who is still a top-five tight end in the game.
Imagine if you get anything from rookie Jalen Royals?
Barring injuries, there is no reason why this passing attack shouldn’t be explosive again. Also, something tells me the Chiefs will benefit from running back Isiah Pacheco being in a contract year.
As much as I love the weapons Mahomes has, I can’t go this far for a couple of reasons.
Peyton Manning holds the record for most passing yards in a season with 5,477 (which is absolutely absurd), and there’s a reason this record still stands 12 years later.
However, the biggest reason I struggle to support this is that the Chiefs' defense is too elite. Mahomes has thrown for over 5,000 yards twice in his career. Both seasons, the defense ranked in the bottom half of the league.
When your defense can’t get stops, you’re forced to keep lighting up the scoreboard. I just don’t see the Chiefs being in enough shootouts that would warrant Mahomes throwing for that many yards.
This is another take I disagree with, but it doesn't mean Kelce won’t have a very productive year. Like most people, I believe this will be Kelce’s last season.
With that being said, I believe we’ll see a super-motivated Kelce looking to go out on top. Considering all the aforementioned names, it will be harder for defenses to allocate their resources to stop the future Hall of Fame tight end.
I just don’t foresee him surpassing his best season to date: 2022, when he had career-highs in catches (110) and touchdowns (12).
**The Chiefs should have let Matt...
