Three Playoff Thoughts - Chiefs at Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs and the amazing Patrick Mahomes are now road warriors, too.
The Kansas City Chiefs once again demonstrated their excellence, moving to the verge of dynasty status by securing a victory in the AFC Championship Game on the road against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday with a score of 17-10. This achievement propels the team to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, providing them with the opportunity to secure a rare third world championship.
These are my three thoughts:
– The regular season 11-6 Chiefs fooled us into thinking they were vulnerable this year. Nine different teams won at least eleven games this year and four teams won more than eleven. But, they are not those teams, because they are champions that are now measured by championships, not regular season wins.
They have not clinched the championship yet, and there's a chance they might not, but reflecting on their challenging moments this season, we must acknowledge that great teams possess another level in January, a level they likely always know is available. It's worth recognizing that, in our sporting world, there are scarcely any teams in this elite group at the moment, perhaps except for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have made 20-game seasons a routine, and their composure is exceptional, with players who have made January their home away from home.
Mahomes has now started 17 postseason games and boasts an impressive record of 14-3. It's challenging to articulate just how remarkable this number is. Imagine being part of a team that consistently wins in such high-stakes games. The confidence earned from this success resembles the swagger seen in true dynasties. In my opinion, they are on the verge of achieving the coveted dynasty designation: Three titles in six years or less. This criteria can also be extended to four titles in eight years or five titles in ten, but essentially, the team must secure the championship at least three times in twice the number of years (or less). Such achievements are rare and should be kept that way. The Chiefs concluded the 2019 and 2022 seasons with Super Bowl victories, and now, in 2023 and 2024, they have the opportunity to add one more title to join the elite club. It seems, like the Chiefs, inevitable.
Their ability to seize control of the game early and execute their strategy flawlessly was impressive. Much of their method involves patiently waiting for the opponent to crumble under immense pressure. It's a strategy of adding water and waiting for the Ravens to do the rest, and it worked similarly to last week against Buffalo. Playoff wins on the road often hinge on making few mistakes and outlasting a tense stadium and a team with internal doubts. It is amazing how often it follows this script.
– It is always smart to not become a prisoner of the moment and get caught up in hyperbole about what is right in front of us at the expense of decades of history. I know this. But, Patrick Mahomes is so impressive in January every single year that it is now absolutely fair to wonder about his place at the very top of the all-time QB discussions.