We're getting to the point of the NFL season when the difference between a good team and a true contender becomes a lot easier to spot. The pressure is building, and the players and coaches who can deliver week after week are starting to make their cases. The MVP race is heating up, while the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards, Rookie of the Year honors and Coach of the Year race are also beginning to take shape.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell has released his latest take on the top players and coaches of the year, and he just unleashed his midseason awards.
ESPN analyst praises Patrick Mahomes
For Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he sees the player as being one of the comeback stories of the season. He actually names him the No. 1 Comeback Player of the Year.
"And there's Mahomes, who does everything short of sneak forward for the Chiefs," he states. "The concerns about Mahomes losing some ability to scramble or extend plays after tearing his ACL fell by the wayside quickly after his Week 1 return against the Broncos. Though Kenneth Walker III has made life easier for the legendary quarterback, Mahomes has immediately returned to form as a passer, with his 7.7 yards per attempt being the most he has averaged since his last MVP campaign in 2022."
He adds that Mahomes is No. 6 in adjusted net yards per attempt and No. 7 in yards per dropback, "so while he's probably not in the thick of the MVP discussion, Mahomes looks like Patrick Mahomes. That's an incredibly high bar to hit immediately after tearing your ACL at the end of the previous season."
So, lots of love for Mahomes here. It's another reason to think the Chiefs are back and better than ever.
