NFL Coach: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Has Been 'Elite' Despite League-Leading 9 INTs

Amid all the panic about the state of the Kansas City Chiefs offense, there is no concern from people within the league about how Patrick Mahomes is performing despite his high turnover rate.

One defensive coach told The Athletic's Jeff Howe that Mahomes is still "playing at an elite level" for the undefeated Chiefs.

"(He's) doing what it takes week in and week out, has complete command of the situations. His footwork in the pocket is as good as I've seen," the coach said. "(He's still) growing every week as a player. Best competitor in the game. He just wills his team to winning."

It's a testament to how bad the situation around Mahomes has been this season that there would even be questions about his play. He is tied for the NFL lead with nine interceptions and his interception rate of 4.0 percent is more than double his career rate (1.9 percent).

Both tackle spots on the offensive line have been a problem. Left tackle Wanya Morris was a huge liability for the Chiefs in their Week 8 win over the Las Vegas Raiders that might have come back to haunt them if they had been playing a better team.

Their receiving corps lost Marquise Brown during the preseason to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Rashee Rice is likely out for the season after suffering a torn LCL in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Travis Kelce, who is averaging a career-low 8.8 yards per reception, seems like he's not the same caliber of pass-catcher he was at his peak now that he is 35 years old. DeAndre Hopkins should provide some boost as he continues to learn the offense and get comfortable in his new surroundings after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 23.

For all of the hand-wringing about the state of the Chiefs offense, they lead the NFL in success rate, ranking ninth in EPA and ninth in points per game (24.7). These numbers are entirely the product of Mahomes carrying the leaky ship that is the 2024 offense virtually on his own.

Even though the coach threw out the overused cliche that Mahomes "wills" the Chiefs to winning, it's hard to dispute it when he is doing so much with very little help on that side of the ball.

The Chiefs are undefeated because they have an amazing defense that keeps them in every game, but Mahomes is finding ways to put up points in a situation that would have overwhelmed almost any other quarterback in the NFL.