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Patrick Mahomes is widely considered the NFL’s top quarterback, and his career with the Kansas City Chiefs points towards a legendary status in football history. However, being a receiver in Mahomes’ high-powered offense doesn’t guarantee individual success. Richie James’ experience serves as a prime example.
James joined the Chiefs in April 2023 after a career-best season with the New York Giants, where he recorded 57 receptions, 569 yards, and four touchdowns. Expectations were high for James, transitioning from Daniel Jones to Mahomes, but his performance in Kansas City didn’t meet those expectations. A knee injury limited James to nine games, and his production was minimal: just 10 receptions for 114 yards.
Recently, James addressed a fan’s question on social media regarding his underwhelming performance with the Chiefs:
😂🤡
1. Dj didnt make me. Still have to get open and the ball thrown your way. BTW i hope he throws for 5k
2. Love playing with Pat. But when you have TK, Paid Wr’s & 2nd Rounders.
I believe you have to get them the ball more even if i am open. It is a business. https://t.co/QQ0yB2ChLJ— Richie James (@Senseispunk) July 8, 2024
Was Richie James’ Explanation Accurate?
While James correctly points out Travis Kelce’s dominance as a receiving threat, his assessment of the Chiefs’ receiving corps might not be entirely accurate. The wide receiver position was a weakness for the Chiefs in the 2023 season. Rashee Rice was the only consistently reliable wideout, being the sole receiver on the roster to catch more than 30 passes.
Given the ample opportunities for a receiver to emerge as a significant threat in Kansas City’s offense, James’ lack of production raises questions. Mahomes’ performance in 2023 was statistically his worst as a starter, partly due to the lack of consistent receiving options beyond Kelce. Players like Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore held potential but didn’t fully deliver during the season.
Therefore, attributing his limited success to a lack of available targets seems somewhat disingenuous. The fact that James remains unsigned this late in the offseason suggests that his 2022 performance with the Giants might have been an outlier. His explanation provides insight into the dynamics of a high-powered offense, but it doesn’t fully account for his individual performance. The complexities of playing alongside a superstar quarterback and within a specific offensive scheme likely played a more significant role.
