Although the Kansas City Chiefs remain favorites to reach the Super Bowl again, doubts surrounding the team’s future have grown, especially regarding Patrick Mahomes Chiefs quarterback decision. <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL analysts like Colin Cowherd predict that the Chiefs’ dominant run may be ending, with some expecting the Denver Broncos to claim the AFC West title for the first time in nearly a decade.
Despite these predictions, the Chiefs have historically responded well to skepticism. However, their recent 15-2 season featured some questionable victories, and their heavy loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl highlighted vulnerabilities they will try to address moving forward.
The Challenge of Managing Quarterbacks in Kansas City’s Lineup
For the first time since entering the NFL, Patrick Mahomes will have younger quarterbacks backing him up on the Chiefs’ roster as he ages into the later stages of his career. Kansas City recently signed Gardner Minshew to serve as Mahomes’ primary backup and added Bailey Zappe, former New England Patriots quarterback. Chris Oladokun also remains part of the team’s quarterback group, creating a competitive environment for limited roster spots.
Nick Jacobs from KSHB in Kansas City expects Bailey Zappe to be cut, noting the team’s direction with quarterbacks this season. Jacobs explained,
“The Chiefs will need the roster spots for wide receivers or tight ends, so they’ll keep two QBs on the active roster, with Oladokun on the practice squad,”
and further added,
“Zappe struggles to read defenses and put the ball where it needs to go, while Oladokun has the athletic ability to buy time and make plays. However, Oladokun trusts his arm too much. That can lead to interceptions in windows where he doesn’t have enough arm strength.”
AFC West Rivalries Expected to Intensify
The Chiefs face a renewed battle for supremacy in the AFC West, as the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders appear poised to improve significantly. These shifts could challenge Kansas City’s hold over the division, making the quarterback decisions and roster management all the more critical for Patrick Mahomes and the franchise going into the new season.
How these quarterback moves and divisional competition unfold will be closely watched as the Chiefs aim for redemption and sustained dominance despite the unease surrounding their roster decisions.