Patrick Mahomes has enjoyed widespread acclaim since his 2018 NFL debut. However, renowned sports analyst Skip Bayless remains a notable exception. This article delves into Bayless’s critique of Mahomes, examining the rationale behind his dissenting opinion.
Mahomes’ exceptional performance has garnered near-universal praise from analysts and fans alike. A common sentiment among fans highlights the perceived preferential treatment Mahomes receives from commentators compared to other quarterbacks. Even with a less than 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season, Mahomes continues to lead the Chiefs to victory, often relying on the strength of his defense. Despite this, most analysts still rank him among the top quarterbacks in 2024. Some have even gone so far as to place Mahomes above all other quarterbacks in history. This is where Skip Bayless draws the line.
Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Skip Bayless’s Critique
On a recent episode of “The Skip Bayless Show,” Bayless articulated his reasons for disliking Mahomes. Interestingly, his criticism isn’t directed at Mahomes’ on-field performance but rather stems from comparisons to Tom Brady. Bayless expressed his unwavering admiration for Brady, stating that comparisons between Mahomes and Brady are a source of frustration. He went further, asserting that Joe Burrow is a superior quarterback to Mahomes.
Bayless’s argument is rooted in the historical context of the quarterback debate. Unlike many greatest-of-all-time discussions, Mahomes and Brady have a head-to-head record. They’ve met on the grandest stage—the Super Bowl—where Brady decisively defeated Mahomes in Super Bowl LV (31-9). Brady also bested Mahomes in the 2018-2019 AFC Championship game (37-31). These victories heavily influence Bayless’s perspective.
Mahomes vs. Burrow: A Statistical Comparison
While Bayless favors Burrow, statistical analysis reveals a more nuanced comparison. Burrow holds a 3-2 head-to-head record against Mahomes, encompassing both regular season and playoff games. He also boasts a lower interception rate and a higher completion percentage. However, Burrow’s injury history contributes to his lower interception count.
Conversely, Mahomes possesses a superior overall record, higher yards per attempt and per game, a better passer rating, and more impressive rushing statistics. While both quarterbacks have compelling arguments for their respective strengths, Mahomes statistically outperforms Burrow in several key areas.
The Ongoing Debate
The debate surrounding Mahomes, Brady, and Burrow continues to ignite passionate discussions among fans and analysts. While Bayless remains a vocal critic of Mahomes, the statistical data and Mahomes’ continued on-field success offer a counterpoint to his assertions. The question of who reigns supreme in the current quarterback hierarchy remains a captivating topic of conversation in the NFL. The upcoming seasons will undoubtedly provide further insights into this ongoing debate.
