NFL Exec: Chiefs Rest Patrick Mahomes' Arm Like MLB Pitcher Due to Lack of Run Game

Patrick Mahomes might look superhuman at times, but the Kansas City Chiefs are well aware their starting quarterback shouldn't be pushed beyond his physical limits.

The Athletic's Mike Sando spoke to an NFC team executive who said Kansas City needs to manage Mahomes' workload because of his lack of support across the offense.

"Mahomes doesn't have a hint of a running game, and they have to rest his arm like he's an MLB pitcher—damn near 70 throws and he's out there running around and it doesn't even look stressful," the executive said.

The 2018 MVP is fresh off a 20-17 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans that saw him attempt 68 passes, 14 more than his previous single-game high.

For the season, he has 331 attempts through eight starts, which averages out to just under 41.4 per game. If he continues at that pace, then he will reach third on the list for most pass attempts in one season (704).

As the executive laid out, the Chiefs have little choice but to lean heavily on the aerial attack.

Kansas City is 23rd in rushing offense with 103.5 yards per game on the ground, and even that might be a somewhat flattering number to the backfield.

Mahomes is third on the team in rushing yards (176). The threat he poses as a passer inevitably means opponents will drop more defenders deep at times, which opens up running lanes as well.

As long as Mahomes is on the roster, the Chiefs are never going to be a team that needs a Derrick Henry-type running back. The front office and coaching staff were probably hopeful they'd get more from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though. The 2020 first-round pick is setting career lows in yards per carry (4.2) and rushing yards per game (36.6).

Kansas City is second in total offense (415.3 yards per game) and second in scoring (30.4 points per game). As the cliche goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

But head coach Andy Reid and his staff know Mahomes can grow fatigued like any other player. Allowing him to heave 60-plus passes probably won't be the norm going forward.