How Mahomes and the Chiefs have rediscovered the deep ball

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have shown a notable improvement in their ability to connect on deep passes this season, a marked change from the struggles the offense faced with the long ball in 2025.

Through the early part of the season, Mahomes has completed eight of 14 attempts on passes traveling at least 15 yards downfield, a completion rate that represents a significant uptick from last year's numbers on similar attempts. The improvement comes as the Chiefs have worked to get more explosive plays from their passing game, an area that drew scrutiny during a disappointing stretch last season.

Receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have been central to the improved deep-ball connection, with their respective speed and route-running giving Mahomes more opportunities to push the ball downfield. Worthy's deep speed in particular gives Kansas City a vertical threat that can stretch opposing secondaries, while Rice's combination of route precision and ability after the catch adds a second dimension to the deep passing attack.

Offensive coordinators often point to a combination of improved pass protection, refined route concepts, and better in-game recognition by the quarterback as key factors behind a jump in deep-passing efficiency. For Kansas City, the return to health and continued development of its receiving corps appear to be central to the turnaround.

If the Chiefs can sustain this improved deep-passing efficiency as the season progresses, it could provide a significant boost to an offense looking to return to its highest level after a challenging previous campaign.