Patrick Mahomes alarmed ahead of season opener as biggest threat looms over Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is set to begin the regular season against the Denver Broncos, but an NFL analyst has cautioned that the most significant obstacle might not be his physical condition. The problem could lie in whether Mahomes can fully rely on his injured knee once again. Last December, Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee during a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which ultimately ended the Chiefs' playoff aspirations.

He underwent surgery shortly after the injury and has been diligently working throughout the offseason to make his Week 1 debut.

Mahomes missed the first two preseason games as a precaution, but he has since returned to full football activities without missing a practice at training camp. NFL analyst Geoff Schwartz, speaking on the First Things First podcast, highlighted confidence as the biggest concern for the star quarterback following such a serious injury.

"Just trust and confidence, right? When you're coming back from injury, that's the toughest part as a player is trusting your body to do the same things you did previously," Schwartz explained. Schwartz elaborated on the difficulty of throwing accurately when defenders are closing in around Mahomes' legs, noting that it becomes even more challenging in a competitive game.

"You have to make that first throw when someone's around his legs, how does he do that with confidence, right? How do you not have a flashback to the bad things that happen?" he added.

Despite these concerns, Mahomes remains confident in his recovery, stating that he has followed the nine-month timeline recommended by doctors to ensure he's ready for Week 1. The Chiefs have made changes to the offense that may help alleviate pressure on their star quarterback. Analyst Geoff Schwartz noted the arrival of running back Kenneth Walker and Kansas City's increased use of under-center formations and play-action as signs that the team is prioritizing a stronger running game to support Mahomes' passing game.

This strategy could prove crucial in the early stages of the season. If Kansas City's revamped run game and offensive line can effectively protect Mahomes from hits, it should aid in rebuilding his confidence when faced with the increased pressure from defenders.