Patrick Mahomes on Close Games: “It Keeps You Motivated and Hungry”

The Kansas City Chiefs have made a habit of turning NFL games into edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and their most recent win against the Las Vegas Raiders, a nail-biting 19-17 victory, is no exception. While these tight games are undoubtedly stressful for fans, Patrick Mahomes believes they serve a deeper purpose for the team.

Speaking to the media, Mahomes reflected on the benefits of close contests, explaining how they keep the team motivated and focused. His perspective sheds light on the Chiefs’ approach to maintaining their championship mindset, even amid regular-season challenges.

Mahomes on Staying Motivated Through Close Wins

After a run of dramatic finishes, including a last-second field goal to beat the Panthers and a rushed snap that sealed victory over the Raiders, Patrick Mahomes offered insight into the value of playing in tight games.

“It keeps you motivated, which I think can be a good thing in the end,” Mahomes said, via Adam Teicher

Mahomes explained that these experiences prevent complacency and force the team to stay sharp. He drew a comparison to the Chiefs’ dominant regular season in the year they lost the Super Bowl, highlighting how coasting through easy wins can be detrimental.

“You get to this point where you start coasting [because] you’re winning games, you’re just doing the normal thing,” Mahomes said.

Lessons from Past Seasons

Reflecting on last season, Mahomes emphasized the importance of continual improvement, even when the team isn’t at its best.

“If you look at us last year though, it didn’t go the way we wanted it to. I feel like we just continued to work every single week and we knew we had to get better,” he explained.

By staying focused on the details and embracing the challenges of close games, the Chiefs ended last season playing their best football—a trend Mahomes hopes to replicate this year.

“The hope is that with all these close finishes, we’re getting wins, but it’s keeping us hungry so that we can try to continue to get better as the season goes on,” he added.

A Championship Formula

The Chiefs’ success in the Patrick Mahomes era has been defined by their ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Their playoff runs are filled with nail-biting finishes that tested their resolve, and Mahomes believes the lessons learned during the regular season prepare them for those moments.

The quarterback’s mindset aligns with the team’s overarching strategy: staying sharp, improving every week, and peaking at the right time. It’s a formula that has brought the Chiefs multiple AFC Championships and a Super Bowl title under Mahomes’ leadership.

The Risk of Living on the Edge

While Mahomes sees the benefits of close games, he also acknowledged the value of stress-free wins. For a team that has often “lived on the edge” this season, a decisive victory could provide some much-needed relief and confidence heading into the postseason.

From a fan’s perspective, the heart-pounding endings are thrilling but nerve-wracking. For the players, however, they are opportunities to build resilience and strengthen their bond as a team.

Looking Ahead

As the Chiefs continue their 2024 campaign, maintaining focus and avoiding complacency will be key to their success. With an 11-1 record heading into Week 14, the team is on track to secure a strong playoff position. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs know that the toughest challenges lie ahead.

Their next matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football presents another opportunity to test their mettle. The divisional rivalry often produces close games, and the Chiefs will aim to extend their winning streak while fine-tuning their game plan for the postseason.

Why Close Games Matter

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, every moment counts. Close games force teams to adapt, focus on execution, and handle pressure—all essential skills for playoff success. For the Kansas City Chiefs, these experiences have become a cornerstone of their identity.

Mahomes’ comments highlight the delicate balance between maintaining hunger and avoiding burnout. While he acknowledges the benefits of these challenging games, he also understands the importance of being ready for the postseason when the stakes are highest.

Conclusion

As the Kansas City Chiefs march toward another postseason run, Patrick Mahomes is embracing the lessons learned from close games. His perspective underscores the importance of staying motivated and continually striving for improvement, even for a team as talented as the Chiefs.

While fans might hope for a few stress-free wins, Mahomes and the Chiefs understand that the grind of nail-biters is preparing them for the ultimate goal: hoisting the Lombardi Trophy once again.

Catch the Chiefs in action this Sunday as they take on the Chargers in another pivotal game in their quest for NFL supremacy!