Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier

In the high-stakes opening weeks of the NFL season, perfection is a rare commodity—but even when star players stumble, winning teams find a way to secure victories. Such was the case for the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season, as they started 3-0 despite inconsistent, often “sloppy” play from their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Known for his highlight-reel throws and clutch performances, Mahomes looked uncharacteristically off in the first three games, with missed targets, unforced turnovers, and unsteady decision-making. Yet, the Chiefs still found ways to outlast opponents, relying on depth, defensive stops, and timely plays from supporting cast members. Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier explores how the Chiefs navigated Mahomes’ early-season struggles, the key factors that kept them undefeated, and what this stretch revealed about the team’s resilience beyond its superstar. For Chiefs fans, this 3-0 start was a reminder that winning in the NFL isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about collective effort.

Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier begins with a breakdown of Mahomes’ “sloppy” performance in the first three games, which stood in stark contrast to his usual elite standards. Statistically, Mahomes completed just 62.1% of his passes (well below his career average of 66.2%), threw 5 touchdowns but also 3 interceptions (a high total for three games), and had a passer rating of 89.7—his lowest three-game stretch to start a season since 2018. Film review highlighted specific issues: he overthrew open receivers on multiple deep attempts, held the ball too long in the pocket leading to sacks, and made questionable reads that led to turnovers. In Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mahomes threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter that gave the Jaguars a chance to tie the game, and in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, he fumbled a snap that nearly resulted in a defensive touchdown. “Patrick wasn’t himself those first few weeks,” said a Chiefs offensive assistant coach. “He was rushing throws, missing reads, and just didn’t have that usual rhythm. But what stood out was how he didn’t let those mistakes snowball—he kept competing, and the team followed suit.”

Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier continues with the defensive resurgence that played a critical role in the Chiefs’ undefeated start. After a lackluster 2023 season, the Chiefs’ defense looked revitalized in the first three games, ranking 6th in the NFL in points allowed (17.3 per game) and 8th in total yards allowed (312 per game). Key plays included a game-sealing interception by cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, a fourth-down stop by defensive tackle Chris Jones in Week 2 against the Jaguars, and a fumble recovery by linebacker Nick Bolton that set up the game-winning field goal in Week 3 against the Colts. The defense also forced 7 turnovers in the first three games, giving Mahomes and the offense multiple second chances to correct their mistakes. “Our defense took on the mindset of ‘we’ll carry the team until Patrick finds his groove,’” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “They made big stops when we needed them most, and that’s what kept us in games even when the offense struggled. That’s the sign of a mature, resilient defense.”

Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier shifts to the supporting cast that stepped up to compensate for Mahomes’ struggles—and why this depth was crucial for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs’ running game, led by Isiah Pacheco, was a revelation in the first three games, averaging 142.7 yards per game (4th in the NFL) and scoring 4 touchdowns. Pacheco rushed for over 100 yards in two of the three games, including a 120-yard, 2-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the Colts that took pressure off Mahomes to carry the offense. The wide receiver corps also stepped up, with rookie Rashee Rice emerging as a reliable target (18 receptions for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns) when veteran Travis Kelce was limited by a minor knee injury. Even the offensive line, which had been a question mark in the preseason, played well, allowing just 3 sacks in three games and creating running lanes for Pacheco. “We have so many weapons on offense that we don’t have to rely on Patrick to be perfect every week,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Isiah running the ball well, Rashee making plays, and the line protecting—all of that takes pressure off Patrick. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s the benefit of building a deep, balanced team.”

Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier delves into the “winning plays” that defined the Chiefs’ 3-0 start—moments where the team found a way to secure victory despite Mahomes’ inconsistencies. In Week 1 against the Browns, the Chiefs trailed by 7 points in the fourth quarter before Mahomes, despite his overall struggles, connected with Kelce on a 25-yard touchdown pass to tie the game, and Harrison Butker made a 50-yard field goal as time expired to win. In Week 2 against the Jaguars, the defense forced a turnover on downs in the final two minutes to preserve a 3-point lead. In Week 3 against the Colts, Pacheco’s 40-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter gave the Chiefs the lead for good, and the defense held the Colts to just 3 points in the second half. These plays weren’t the result of Mahomes’ usual magic—they were team efforts, with different players stepping up at different times. “Winning isn’t always about being pretty,” said Mahomes after Week 3. “Sometimes it’s about grinding, making the plays that need to be made, and relying on your teammates. That’s what we did those first three weeks. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s the kind of winning culture we’ve built—everyone contributes, no matter the situation.”

Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier wraps up with the lessons learned from this early-season stretch and what it means for the Kansas City Chiefs moving forward. For Mahomes, the 3-0 start while playing “sloppy” was a reminder of the importance of preparation and rhythm—he later attributed his early struggles to adjusting to new wide receivers and a minor shoulder tweak that he kept quiet about. For the team, this stretch proved that they could win without Mahomes at his absolute best, a critical confidence booster for the playoffs, where star players often face tough defenses and potential injuries. It also highlighted the Chiefs’ depth, showing that they have reliable contributors at every position, not just at quarterback. “That 3-0 start was a test, and we passed it,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “We learned that we’re more than just Patrick Mahomes—we’re a team that can win in different ways. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s the kind of resilience that leads to long playoff runs and Super Bowl contention.” As the season progressed, Mahomes found his form, but the early 3-0 stretch remained a key moment—one that proved the Chiefs were a complete team, capable of winning even when their superstar wasn’t at his best. In the end, Patrick Mahomes Sloppy but Kansas City Chiefs Still 3-0 Earlier is a story about team strength—about how a great team can rise above individual struggles to achieve success, one hard-fought win at a time.