When the conversation turns to NFL quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes is almost always the first name that comes up. Last season, the Chiefs were on the brink of something special. Chasing a historic three-peat, they looked unstoppable—until a 15-2 campaign ended those dreams. Even the greats aren’t immune to a slump. And right now, this isn’t about legacy or rings. If we’re talking strictly about 2024 performance, Mahomes hasn’t quite delivered the same magic we’ve come to expect from him. For four of the last five years—including last season—Patrick Mahomes has proudly worn the crown as the best quarterback in the NFL.

But as we head into 2025, there’s a changing of the guard. The new king of the league? Lamar Jackson. According to former NFL quarterback and NBC analyst Chris Simms, Mahomes now finds himself in unfamiliar territory—sitting at No. 4 on the rankings, trailing behind Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow. Appearing recently on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike Radio, Chris Canty doesn’t quite feel the same about the 29-year-old. The former defensive end for the Cowboys, Giants, and Ravens was definitely critical about the performance of his last year.

During the video, which was shared on X by Unsportsmanlike Radio, Canty said, “The last two years, Patrick Mahomes, 27 touchdown passes, 26 touchdown passes. This past season, less than 4,000 yards passed. I mean, it was an average season by his standards,”. Despite the statement, the former Cowboys, Giants, and Ravens DE does believe that Mahomes is still ahead of the QBs in the ranking because of his ability to rise up on big occasions. Canty said, “Well, here’s the other thing, right. There’s something to be said for competitive greatness. To be the best when your best is to be required. I have seen too many times Patrick Mahomes be in that situation late in games and manage it the right way. And conversely, I have seen Allen and Lamar Jackson be in those situations and come up short.” 

Even when he’s not at his best, Patrick Mahomes still finds a way to deliver. He’s made it to the AFC Championship game every single year as a starter, and his trophy case holds three Super Bowl rings as proof of his greatness. But that’s the burden of being a legend—you’re always measured against impossible standards. That said, not everyone is ready to sound the alarm. Sure, voices like Chris Canty are questioning his recent dip in numbers. But plenty of others believe this is just another bump in the road.

Patrick Mahomes is still the best in the business, feels Isaiah Stanback 

While some critics are busy questioning the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, one former NFL receiver sees things very differently. Isaiah Stanback isn’t buying the talk that Patrick Mahomes is on the decline. Joining Good Morning Football, the former wideout turned analyst made his stance crystal clear. He feels there’s a storm brewing in Kansas City, and Mahomes is still very much at the center of it. Stanback said, “Patrick Mahomes, the last two years, really had ‘down years’ in terms of his numbers. We’re used to seeing Patrick Mahomes with 37, 41 touchdowns. The last two years, he dropped off, with 26 and 27 touchdowns.”

The stats don’t lie – but Stanback feels 2025 might have something big in store for the fans. And why does feel that? He gave the reason and further added, “Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice – now those guys are back,”. Last season, Mahomes watched his key weapons go down at the worst possible moments. Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2, sidelining him for nine games before a quiet return in the Super Bowl. Then came the gut punch—Rashee Rice’s breakout season came to a crashing halt in Week 4 after a collision with Mahomes tore his LCL and hamstring. And yet, Mahomes still managed to carry the Chiefs all the way to the Super Bowl.

Stanback further believes that Pat is primed for a statement year and said, “What do we see this year out of Patrick Mahomes that we didn’t see last year? I believe he might be the most dangerous version of himself.” Isaiah Stanback’s message couldn’t be clearer. Anyone doubting Mahomes after two so-called “down” years—both of which still ended in championship games—is making a big mistake. Mahomes has thrived playing with house money before. But now? Now he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. And when Patrick’s got something to prove… nobody in this league wants to be standing in his way.