Chiefs offense struggles in Super Bowl 55 loss to Tampa Bay

The Chiefs failed to execute their ultimate goal. Photo from Brock Wegner on Unsplash

The Kansas City Chiefs became the Kansas City Heartbreakers this past Sunday when Patrick Mahomes and company fell to the undeniable might of the legend that is Tom Brady with a final score of 9-31, just as he did in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship a few years ago.

The betting favorite going into the game was the Chiefs and for good reason. They were the defending champion, number one seed in the AFC and had the best player in the NFL, who was seemingly good-to-go despite some toe and concussion issues the week prior. However, there was one glaring flaw that would end up being their downfall in the 55th Super Bowl. 

The Chiefs lost three veteran starting offensive linemen by the end of the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes tried to play superman, despite the weakened defenses. He did, but it was not enough against Tampa Bay’s front seven defensive line and linebackers. Mahomes was actually pressured more times than he had been in all of his career, having barely any time to get the ball off, let alone to a receiver that didn’t have butter fingers. 

The most challenging part of accepting this loss here in Kansas City is the question of whether or not Patrick Mahomes can ever truly pass Tom Brady in the Greatest Of All Time legacy. Mahomes is on pace to be the face of the NFL for the foreseeable future, at least in the quarterback position. But can he ever claim the throne if he didn’t beat Brady on the biggest stage? It’s hard to say if either are in their prime right now, with Mahomes on the come up and Brady a few years or less from retirement, but that’s more of an excuse for Brady than it is Mahomes. 

Then again, you would have to look at the game itself as well. If Mahomes had his full offensive line to protect him as well as a few more penalties that should have gone their way, I think it’s a very different ball game. It’s not like Brady was the reason why the Bucs won, it was their defense more than anything. 

With Brady throwing just a little over 200 yards, I sincerely hope that Mahomes gets another shot at Brady on the biggest stage possible before he retires. Until then, the GOAT remains at the top of his throne. Opening day of the 2021 NFL season starts on Sept. 9.

Trent Brink

Trent Brink is the page editor for Sports on The Hilltop Monitor. He is a sophomore majoring in business administration.

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