The two teams might be heading in opposite directions, but Chiefs-Raiders remains one of the most heated rivalries in all of football.
As if the 6-0 Chiefs needed more motivation for this week’s game, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has given them an additional spark with his recent comments on All-World quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Pierce was asked where Mahomes ranks among the greatest quarterbacks of all time, particularly compared to legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, both of whom Pierce faced during his playing career.
“Three,” Pierce bluntly said. “I’m sure by the end of it, he’ll probably move up, but the two gentlemen you named obviously are Hall of Famers, one is the greatest of all time.”
Pierce also touched on the challenge Mahomes presents when planning for him, describing it as an overwhelming task.
“Game planning against him is the same countless sleepless nights that you had as a player,” Pierce continued. “It’s tough because he’s a tremendous talent, very competitive, and to be honest, even with what’s going on this season with interceptions, he’s still playing his best ball.”
It has been a bit of a bizarre season for Mahomes and the Chiefs in the sense that they sit on top of the mountain with an undefeated 6-0 record, however, we all know that they can play a whole lot better.
Needless to say, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Kansas City has been hit hard by injuries, especially at key offensive positions. They will be without Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Isiah Pacheco this week.
However, one new face we expect to see on Sunday will be recently acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Pierce spoke about the challenges that Hopkins presents while also acknowledging the fact that his defense already has plenty else to worry about.
“You kind of got to look at it twofold, right? We know they’re going to have some plays for him, get him in there and learn the playbook. But, to be honest, no disrespect to Hopkins, this offense still goes through 87 [Travis Kelce] and [Xavier] Worthy down the field vertically,” Pierce said.
“So, I’m sure Andy [Reid] just as he’s done in years past when he’s made trades for certain players, he finds that role on those six or whatever many plays he has for that gentleman.
“You’re talking about a proven vet that’s been in multiple systems. It’s not going to take him a long time to learn it just to get him up to speed. Not quite sure what we’re going to get from there, but we know what their primary focus is.”
Getting back to Pierce’s comment on Mahomes … Some took it as a shot to state so emphatically that Patrick isn’t on Brady or Manning’s level yet.
Having said that, number three on the ALL-TIME list isn’t too bad – especially when AP acknowledged that Mahomes will probably advance a notch or two before his career is over.
What are your thoughts on his ranking of Mahomes? … Was he taking a shot at him? Or was he merely giving a fair and realistic opinion???
