NFL scout says Patrick Mahomes likely doesn’t have same ‘fear factor’ as before

After surveying NFL executives, scouts and coaches, ESPN compiled a ranking of the top quarterbacks in the NFL for 2025, and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes came in at No. 1.

That’s despite the fact that the quarterback has had a couple seasons in a row in which he’s left some fans wondering if he has taken a step back.

Mahomes still finished in the top seven in the MVP race in each of the last two seasons and even won a Super Bowl during one of them, but he hasn’t quite looked like the two-time MVP award winner that the NFL world has known him to be.

Now, one AFC scout has suggested that the “fear factor” surrounding Mahomes may be a bit diminished. However, that same scout expects the veteran to bounce back in 2025.

“An AFC scout noted that Mahomes ‘probably doesn’t have that same fear factor’ from opponents that he had a few years ago but also expects him to bounce back in 2025, with a healthier receiving corps and a rebuilt offensive line,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote.

The standard for Mahomes is so high that his numbers over the past two seasons aren’t likely to gain much praise.

In the 2023 season, he completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also rushed for 389 yards. He then led the team to a Super Bowl title in the playoffs.

In the 2024 season, he completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. On the ground, he added 307 yards and two scores. He wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl.

Now, Mahomes will look to send a message in the 2025 season that he’s still the most dangerous quarterback in the league. Already a three-time Super Bowl champion, he is looking to win his fourth and wash away the taste of last season’s Super Bowl, when the Chiefs were dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mahomes is 29 and will turn 30 in September, so it’s possible that he actually is showing signs of decline, but one strong season in 2025 should be enough to show people around the league that he still has plenty left in the tank.

The Chiefs will open their season on Sept. 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil.