Chad Ochocinco Johnson did not hold back his recent critique of Patrick Mahomes following the Kansas City Chiefs’ narrow overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson pointed out that Mahomes’ hero-ball mentality led to unnecessary risks that nearly cost the Chiefs the game.
According to Ochocinco, Mahomes often ignores the simple, easy completions in favor of attempting spectacular, high-difficulty plays. While these moments can be magical when they work, they can also stall drives and put the defense in bad positions when they fail. In this specific matchup, those forced plays resulted in a stagnant offense for long stretches, allowing the Colts to stay competitive and force overtime.
On his Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL receiver argued that Mahomes was trying to be Superman during the game. This comment highlights concerns that the athlete feels the need to do everything himself, especially when the offense is struggling. Johnson emphasized that for the Chiefs to secure another Super Bowl title, their quarterback needs to trust his system more. By trying to save every play with a miracle, Mahomes is inadvertently creating the very chaos that jeopardizes the team’s success.
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“He was trying to do too much. Mahomes was trying to be Superman today,” Ochocinco said.
Mahomes Missed Pivotal Throws In The Game
One of the main issues highlighted in the game was Mahomes’ inability to connect on deep passes to his speedy rookie receiver, Xavier Worthy. On multiple occasions, Worthy used his elite speed to get behind the defense, offering a clear path to the end zone. However, Mahomes overthrew him or led him too far toward the sideline, turning potential touchdowns into wasted downs.
These missed opportunities were critical because they would have blown the game open early. Instead of capitalizing on Worthy’s separation, the offense had to punt or settle for field goals, keeping the score close. Ochocinco noted that a quarterback of Mahomes’ caliber is expected to hit those throws, especially when the receiver has done his job to get open.
The lack of connection with Worthy suggests a timing issue that has persisted throughout the season. While Mahomes is known for his accuracy, his deep ball has been inconsistent recently. Missing these pivotal throws forces the Chiefs to work much harder for their points, converting what should be easy scores into a grinding battle that puts extra pressure on the entire team.
Chiefs Need Mahomes To Lock In
As the playoffs approach, the margin for error will shrink significantly. Ochocinco warned that while the Chiefs managed to escape with a win against the Colts, playing this way against elite teams will lead to an early exit. He urged Mahomes to lock in and eliminate the sloppy mistakes that have plagued his recent performances.
The Chiefs are currently sitting at the top of the standings, but their invincibility is beginning to show cracks. If Mahomes continues to play with a bored or careless demeanor, as some critics have suggested, opponents will eventually make him pay. The team needs their leader to be sharp, disciplined, and focused on execution rather than highlight-reel moments.
Ultimately, the message from the “Nightcap” host was clear: the Chiefs go as Mahomes goes. If he can get back to efficient football, Kansas City remains the favorite. However, if the crucial mistakes and missed throws continue, their hopes for success could be annihilated by a more disciplined playoff rival.
Published: Nov 26, 2025 02:10 pm