Mahomes isn’t just delivering more throws downfield — he’s turned into one of the NFL’s most aggressive quarterbacks when it comes to launching the ball deep.
TruMedia’s data shows a drastic shift from years past. That’s especially the case on 20-plus yard throws; after attempting just 50 of those last season, Mahomes has 15 through the first three games of 2025.
The number of deep completions, meanwhile, is up as well.“I’m just excited for where this offense is going,” Mahomes said. “I know it hasn’t been the perfect product that we’ve put out there so far, but there’s a lot of good, too.”
Specifically, Mahomes has started to develop chemistry with speedy receiver Tyquan Thornton, who’s been targeted most often on the team’s deep shots. That included a critical play in Sunday’s 22-9 victory over the New York Giants, as Thornton pulled down a jump-ball catch for 33 yards on a third-and-10 late.“I think it just gives me the confidence, when guys like Tyquan come down with the catch that he did, that I can keep forcing the ball down the field and let them try to make plays,” Mahomes said. “We’ll continue to get better and better at that.”
For now, it’s at least giving defenses something more to think about.
The Chiefs offense, suddenly, has made an abrupt shift from dink-and-dunk to chuck-and-duck. And that shows up most drastically in Mahomes’ air-yard-per-attempt numbers — an advanced stat that had been in decline each season of his career.
Until this one, that is.Even with this year’s long-throw improvement, Mahomes says the Chiefs can be better. Those one or two successful shots per game, he believes, could easily be three or four. Then maybe five or six after that.
For now, though, Mahomes sees reason to be optimistic about the direction of the Chiefs offense.
Especially because the deep bomb is back in the team’s arsenal.
“We’ll continue to get better and better at that, as well as with the rest of the offense,” Mahomes said. “But it’s always super-exciting when you get a chance to throw the ball down the field.”
15 comments
If the deep-throws-per-game stays on pace that would be 80 this season (assuming he won’t be playing in week 18).
I could see it increase once Worthy and Thornton are on the field at the same time.
Pat in 2025 is taking deep shots on 14.3% of his drop backs. For context, that’s the second highest rate of deep shots he’s had since 2018 where he threw deep 15.9% of his drop backs. The rate of deep balls is almost TOO high; they need to target more of medium shots than they currently are.
Chuck and duck?
Deep shots are fine but I’m more concerned about all the throws behind the sticks, or just dumping a 6 yard pass to a receiver standing still in front of the zone, who then just falls down. So few throws are hitting someone in stride so they can go make a play.
It’s hard when they don’t have deep threats.
Sonic the Chiefs start playing “fun” football again. Can people get off their nuts.
Say what you want about the shift in mentality, but having Simmons turn out as a beast this early factors into it. I suspect defenses might shift into picking on Taylor more because he is known to be a bit jumpy and grabby with his penalty count and whatnot.
Throwing the deep ball and Connecting the deep ball are two different things.
Happy he wants to take shots. Unhappy (right now) his deep ball is ass.
His lack of a deep ball the past few seasons is very apparent this season. He has missed on quite a few under and overthrows that he would have hit a few years ago. I think it will come along as the season progresses, especially now that we have at least one receiver who can be a deep threat.
How about focusing on getting a running back and power run game so you don’t face another 8 DB Super Bowl because you’re one sided and can’t adjust to a defensive scheme
“chuck and duck” not sure you want to duck.
Let’s roll boys
I honestly think he’s doing better than expected.
I know a lot of us are disappointed by the offense. But to me, the deep passing game has been encouraging. Mahomes has had more time to stand in the pocket and throw deep. I think he’s still getting back into being comfortable in the pocket after the last couple years. I think once we get worthy, and more importantly Rice, back in the offense things will start to look a lot better. And if Jalen Royals is good, we’ll be cookin
Since the second half the last game? Dude was throwing backwards passes.