Patrick Mahomes could have a career as an NFL analyst once his playing days are over after the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback predicted plays during the Denver Broncos ’ win over the Buffalo Bills.
During the Monday Night Football contest between the AFC franchises, Mahomes appeared on ESPN’s ‘Manningcast’ broadcast where the two-time MVP joined Peyton and Eli Manning in analysing the game. The 28-year-old impressed viewers as he showcased his advanced knowledge by accurately predicting the Broncos play call in the red zone.
When asked by former New York Giants quarterback Eli how the Broncos would score, Mahomes precisely foresaw the sequence. He said: “They are going to run it twice and then go with a hard play-action on third and short that's gonna get a touchdown.”
The play unfolded exactly as Mahomes had foreseen, with Broncos running back Javonte Williams twice rushing before a Russell Wilson play-action pass on third-and-short resulted in a stunning Courtland Sutton touchdown. Mahomes received praise for his analysis, with both Manning brothers - two-time Super Bowl champions, just like the Chiefs quarterback - impressed.
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The incident has sparked speculation about Mahomes' potential future in broadcasting, drawing comparisons to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who has developed a reputation for his uncanny play predictions in the booth. Mahomes’ accuracy suggested he could be in line to follow Romo and Tom Brady - who signed a blockbuster deal with FOX Sports to call games from 2024 - into commentary.
Mahomes didn’t just flourish while predicting offensive plays. He even correctly called what the Broncos defence were going to do against Josh Allen, leaning on his own experience to do so.
When asked by Peyton what he thought the Broncos were going to do on third and nine, Mahomes said: “They're gonna bring pressure and spy with 42 (Nik Bonitto). They're gonna play him like they played against me.”
Mahomes was right; linebacker Nik Bonitto operated as a spy and it led to Allen tossing an incomplete pass. The Manning brothers were impressed by their guest’s play recognition on the fly.
While they discuss the game playing out before them, the ‘Manningcast’ is also an opportunity for guests to reveal and talk about various anecdotes from their career and experiences. Mahomes spoke about the intimidating road environments he has played in where he has been forced to use a silent snap count.
“’Im mostly verbal,” Mahomes told the legendary quarterback duo. “The only times I've been silent is in Baltimore and in Seattle where under center, I had to do signals.”
He added the adjustment was necessary because ‘it was so loud in those stadiums the [blockers] couldn’t even hear me’.
The 7-2 Chiefs were on a bye this past week following their win over the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany. Despite the impressive record, Mahomes has not had to be at his best throwing to an inexperienced wide receiver corps. He has thrown for 2,442 yards and 17 touchdowns as well as eight interceptions - near his career-worst of 13.
Mahomes and co. are next in action against the 8-1 Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LVII rematch on Monday Night Football in Week 11.
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