LAS VEGAS – The NFL is facing a new dominant force. And it comes with all the familiar characteristics that accompany such reigns. Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs currently possess it all.
They recently emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime battle against the San Francisco 49ers, securing the crown of Super Bowl LVII.
This marks their second consecutive championship and their third title in the span of five years.
The Chiefs have become so accustomed to Super Bowl success that some of their players have developed a “Super Bowl routine,” as mentioned by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
However, winning the Super Bowl is not the end-all-be-all. It is merely the outcome.
The Chiefs have solidified their status as the NFL’s newest dynasty due to the exceptional talents of Mahomes, the coaching prowess of Andy Reid, and an unwavering determination that sets them apart from other teams, regardless of the talent on their roster.
“Our team boasts the league’s finest quarterback,” declared tight end Travis Kelce after witnessing Mahomes lead back-to-back scoring drives to tie the game in regulation and secure the victory in overtime.
“We possess the most brilliant offensive mind in the league. And our unwavering determination surpasses that of any other team in the NFL, as demonstrated today.”
Go ahead, try to dispute his claims.
You would be arguing with someone who possesses the facts. The Chiefs earned their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy by defeating the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills, and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC playoffs.
Notably, the last two victories were achieved on the road.
Subsequently, they triumphed over a seemingly more complete and talented San Francisco team. The 49ers were favored to win the game for a reason.
Yet, the Chiefs overcame a 10-0 deficit, a 16-13 deficit in the fourth quarter, and a 19-16 deficit with only 1:56 left in regulation.
Even in overtime, when the 49ers kicked a field goal, the Chiefs rallied back. During the extended television timeout after the kickoff, Mahomes delivered a message to his teammates.
“He simply said, ‘Come on, we’re going to go score,’ and that was it,” shared receiver Rashee Rice.
Mahomes then proceeded to throw the game-winning 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman. He finished the game with 333 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes. Critics may argue that his performance was unremarkable, but Mahomes himself is likely content with winning the Super Bowl MVP trophy for the third time in his career.
Mahomes is now on a mission. He is not solely focused on Super Bowl titles; he is also chasing Tom Brady’s record of seven Super Bowl titles.
At the age of 28, Mahomes already has three titles under his belt. Mere minutes after winning his third, he was already contemplating the next one.
“I will celebrate tonight, I will celebrate at the parade,” he stated. “And then, I will do everything in my power to return to this game next year and strive for a three-peat.
“This is an ongoing process in the NFL. Tom [Brady] said it best: Once you win the championship, have the parades, and receive the rings, you are no longer the champion. You must approach the next season with the same mindset. I have learned from individuals like him – the greatest of all time at the highest level.
“That is my mindset. I will celebrate with my teammates for what we have achieved. But then, we will work tirelessly to return to this game next year.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
This is not favorable news for the rest of the NFL. Those outside of Kansas City will likely grow to despise the Chiefs, much like how the Patriots were viewed for years.
Part of the reason the Chiefs are easy to dislike is due to certain aspects of their persona.
Kelce is in a relationship with a pop star, while Mahomes has a wife who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Additionally, Reid can indulge in as many burgers and “noogies” as he desires while still devising winning game plans.
These factors alone are enough to elicit certain sentiments towards the Chiefs. However, what truly makes them aggravating is their ability to triumph against all odds.
They lost Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins two seasons ago. Hill wished to remain with the Chiefs but desired to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL, leading to his departure.
The Chiefs filled the void with average receivers who had experienced varying degrees of success elsewhere – Marquez Valdes-Scantling, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and others.
Yet, they managed to win the Super Bowl without the NFL’s most dynamic receiver last year.
This year, the Chiefs encountered further challenges with the loss of their offensive tackles and the dissolution of their mediocre receiver corps.
Consequently, they led the league in dropped passes, and left tackle Donovan Smith and right tackle Jawaan Taylor struggled throughout the season, often having to anticipate the snap count to protect Mahomes.
Despite these evident flaws, the Chiefs emerged victorious.
Are they serious?
Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end #87 Travis Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback #15 Patrick Mahomes hug after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 11, 2024. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
What is perplexing is that the Chiefs are aware of their weaknesses and still manage to overcome them. They even boast about it amongst themselves.
Kelce delivered a speech to his teammates on Saturday night, highlighting how they were considered underdogs and given no chance. However…
“We possess the winning formula,” Kelce asserted. “We know how to seize opportunities, even when others cannot. That being said, I have nothing but respect for the 49ers. They displayed more than I could have imagined.
“There will be plenty of words thrown around, but that team is just as deserving as we are. I have immense respect for them, their coaches, and their approach to the game.”
Undoubtedly, the 49ers deserve respect. This marks their second Super Bowl appearance in five years, both of which they lost to the Chiefs.
It must be disheartening to be incredibly talented yet fall short against the NFL’s newest dynasty.
“It hurts,” expressed Niners running back Christian McCaffrey. “It cuts deep.”
According to the Source outkick.com