It’s been an uncharacteristic start for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs sit at 1-2.
Their lone win came off an uninspiring performance against the lifeless New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
The defense has looked pedestrian, and the Kansas City fireworks on offense have been slowed by the absence of Mahomes’ top weapons, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
However, it isn’t all bad in Kansas City and believe it or not, the sky isn’t falling for the team that has been to three straight Super Bowls.
One of the few bright spots for the team amid a sluggish start has been wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
Forced to pick up the slack with Rice and Worthy out, Thornton has delivered. On Sunday night, the former New England Patriot had five receptions for 70 yards and touchdown.
On the season, Thornton has nine catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers may not jump off the page, but he’s been a steady presence, delivering big chunk plays when called upon.
He clearly has the trust of his quarterback, and we know that his other star teammate is a huge fan of his.
Thornton posted photos and video from the first three games of the season on Instagram, captioning it: “Mark 9:23.”
It’s a Bible verse that reads: “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.'”
Travis Kelce commented on the post, saying: “Ayyyeeee Go crazy Ty!!”
Unfortunately for Chiefs Kingdom, Thornton hasn’t been the magic fix for the rest of their problems on offense.
Most of it is still falling on the arm and legs of Mahomes. On Sunday night, the three-time Super Bowl champion completed 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown pass as well as a huge fumble recovery that effectively sealed the win.
Dan Orlovsky criticized the Chiefs’ SNF showing, citing predictable play-calling and too much reliance on Mahomes.
“Uninspired, unimpressed,” Orlovsky said on Get Up. “Without Patrick, you got nothing. If not for three or four plays by Patrick Mahomes in this game, the outcome would have been very different…
“To put it into context, the Chiefs ran 52 plays on first and second down. They average about three yards per play on those situations. Then on third down, they averaged almost eight yards on every third down all because of Patrick Mahomes.
“Win, congratulations. The reality is there it’s still too much on the quarterback.”
Next up for Kansas City is another surprising 1-2 squad: Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
The loser drops to 1-3 and will face an uphill climb to the postseason. It’s a massive game that could also mark the return of Worthy, a huge boost for Kansas City’s offense.
Mahomes and Jackson will get the spotlight, but Thornton may be the one who delivers once more.
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our NFL Facebook page , subscribe to our talkSPORT End Zone YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more
