Patrick Mahomes & the Kansas City Chiefs - The Keys to Red Zone Success

In today’s video, we will look at why Patrick Mahomes is so good in the red zone. And it’s not what you probably first think.

Patrick Mahomes is so good in the red zone because he does a number of things well.

That’s the special sauce.

It’s not just one thing.

First off, Patrick Mahomes is just good. That helps.

Second, the schemes are outstanding.

Third, the play-calling and coaching are elite.

Fourth, the Chiefs have weapons all over the place.

Fifth and finally, it’s worth repeating, Patrick Mahomes is playing that well right now. He’s rolling.

Patrick Mahomes is so good in the red zone because he is so good right now because of all of those reasons. And because of all those, it makes it that much harder for the Chiefs to be consistently stopped.

What Are You Going to Learn Today? – Why Patrick Mahomes is so Good in the Red Zone

Today you are going to learn how Patrick Mahomes throws a fairly common red zone route—the stick nod. The stick nod is a staple in most west coast originated offenses. It’s a quick double move usually to the TE or slot.

The read is simple, but the windows are tight. Patrick Mahomes does a great good using his eyes and rifling a ball with accuracy into a tight window.

Elite stuff.

Why is This Concept Important – Patrick Mahomes and Red Zone Efficiency

Patrick Mahomes’s red zone efficiency is important because oftentimes in the NFL, teams win and lose based on red zone efficiency. The difference between touchdowns and field goals is often the difference in December and playoff football.

Where Does This Concept Fit – Patrick Mahomes’s Red Zone Strength

You need to know your strengths to be successful in the red zone. Andy Reid and co. do a great job of scheming and playing the Patrick Mahomes’s strengths. He is comfortable in shotgun, using his eyes, and has a cannon of an arm with a quick release.

Coaches need to play to their players’ strengths while keeping it simple enough to be executed quickly.

Going Forward – Patrick Mahomes and Red Zone Improvement

Taken together, Patrick Mahomes and his red zone efficiency show no sign of slowing down. Barring any health issues look for the Chiefs to keep improving in the red zone.

However, also look for teams to start trying to confuse Mahomes a bit more with exotic pressures or combo coverages. The games within the games will be fun to watch as we near the home stretch.

J.T. O'Sullivan