Kansas City Chiefs Find Their Starting QB After Win Over Ravens – And It’s Not Patrick Mahomes.
In a stunning turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs may have found their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, but shockingly, it’s not two-time NFL MVP Patrick Lavon Mahomes II. The Chiefs’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens in a preseason showdown has sparked widespread speculation after an impressive performance by backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert, raising questions about Mahomes’ role going forward.
Gabbert, a veteran journeyman with stints on several teams, turned heads with a commanding performance against a strong Ravens defense. He threw for over 250 yards, connecting on three touchdown passes, and showed impressive poise in the pocket. His performance has led some analysts to speculate that head coach Andy Reid may consider making a surprising quarterback change.
### **Why Gabbert Could Be Considered Over Mahomes**
1. **Strong Preseason Performance**
Gabbert’s ability to lead the Chiefs down the field with precision and efficiency during the Ravens game has drawn praise from both the coaching staff and fans. While preseason games are often not indicative of regular-season performance, Gabbert’s chemistry with the Chiefs’ offensive unit, including star tight end Travis Kelce, has many wondering if Reid might experiment with new options at the helm.
2. **Mahomes’ Health Concerns**
Although Mahomes remains one of the league’s top players, there have been minor concerns about his long-term health, particularly following his injury during the 2023 season. Reid may be considering resting Mahomes for stretches to keep him fresh for a deep playoff run, giving Gabbert more opportunities to take charge early in the season.
3. **Gabbert’s Experience**
Gabbert, drafted in 2011, has played for multiple teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he backed up Tom Brady. His extensive experience as a backup has made him an asset in understanding different offensive schemes. Reid might see Gabbert as a veteran capable of holding down the starting job while Mahomes recovers or prepares for critical late-season games.
4. **Andy Reid’s Faith in His System**
Coach Reid is known for developing quarterbacks, and his confidence in his offensive system may make him more willing to take risks. Reid has a proven track record of success with both star quarterbacks and backups, and with an offense as potent as Kansas City’s, the team may not need Mahomes on the field every week to win games.
5. **The Element of Surprise**
Keeping Mahomes as a surprise factor for critical games may be a strategic move by the Chiefs. By starting Gabbert early in the season, Reid could throw off defenses that are preparing for Mahomes’ playing style, adding an unexpected layer of unpredictability to Kansas City’s already potent offense.
### **What This Means for the Chiefs**
While the idea of the Chiefs moving on from Patrick Mahomes as their starting quarterback seems far-fetched, the emergence of Blaine Gabbert presents an intriguing storyline. The Chiefs now appear to have a solid backup plan should Mahomes need to rest or recover from any lingering injuries. For now, the team is keeping its cards close to its chest, with no official announcement on any permanent change in the quarterback lineup.
Mahomes remains the face of the franchise and one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, but the recent win over the Ravens has shown that the Chiefs have depth at quarterback, and it will be interesting to see how Andy Reid manages the situation as the regular season approaches.
As the NFL world watches closely, the Chiefs’ quarterback situation has become one of the most surprising narratives of the preseason, and fans will be eager to see what happens next.
