It wasn’t a performance to remember for Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scores a touchdown defended by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za’Darius Smith (52) and cornerback Jakorian Bennett (23) during the second quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs dropped to 0-2 on the season after a 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. It was as ugly and frustrating an offensive loss as we’ve seen from Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in their history of early-season games.

The duo has earned a reputation for dominating in the season’s first and final months, setting the tone and finishing strong to continue the recent dynastic run. With this in mind, there are incredible expectations for Mahomes, and it is fair to point out that he wasn’t able to don his superhero cape on Sunday.

Mahomes finished the loss by going 16/29 for 187 yards with one touchdown and one interception. It must be noted that the interception bounced off Travis Kelce’s outstretched arms right to an Eagles defender. That turnover cannot be blamed on the quarterback, but there was no denying that this performance wasn’t Mahomes at the peak of his powers.

The ultimate talent elevator, Arrowhead has been spoiled to watching since his ascension. It is also important to mention that Mahomes is stuck chasing ghosts. There isn’t an active player who can come close to the accomplishments or legacy of the Kansas City legend.

Mahomes Unable to Put the Chiefs on His Back Despite Defensive Effort

Part of this is the unfair expectations that had fans just waiting for Mahomes’ magic to strike again in the final quarter of the Super Bowl rematch. Kansas City’s defense did all you can reasonably ask of them, shutting down Jalen Hurts in the run game and keeping both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith from beating the Chiefs deep. Still, Kansas City’s offense couldn’t get anything going, and there were a handful of moments when Mahomes missed open targets or misread a play.

While some may say the expectations are unfair to Mahomes, this is the standard that comes with the burden of greatness. Mahomes wasn’t good enough to elevate his limited pass catchers or to overcome a swarming Philly defensive line. Even Michael Jordan or Tom Brady had their moments of being human and failing to deliver. This was the case for Mahomes on Sunday, as he wasn’t good enough for the Chiefs to pick up the win with the supporting cast that has been put around him.

This brings us to a more important point: perhaps it is time that Brett Veach and the front office go out and find playmakers for the star quarterback. While Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are both expected back, there is no such thing as having too many weapons on the outside. It is becoming clear that Kansas City only has a chance to win consistently if Mahomes puts on his cape and overcomes what is around him rather than leading it to the heights Kansas City has previously enjoyed.

This is far from an ideal scenario for a team attempting to play in a fourth straight Super Bowl. With this in mind, the Chiefs need to make moves that take some pressure off the former MVP. Fair or not, the expectations facing Mahomes and this group are sky high, making it understandable on the rare occasions when Mahomes fails to deliver.