As the NFL gears up for another exciting season, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finds himself in an unexpected position. Ranked fourth in the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2024, Mahomes received an unexpected boost from an unlikely source: Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, recently made headlines with his controversial list of top quarterbacks, placing Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers above Mahomes.
Williams’ admiration for Stafford, voiced on the Up & Adams Show on August 8, was clear. “When he played for Detroit, I enjoyed watching him,” Williams said. “But I was younger and didn’t really understand. Then I got older and started understanding this game. He’s unbelievable.” Williams was visibly taken aback by Stafford’s ranking of 42nd in the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2024, implying that Stafford’s talents are grossly underappreciated.
Rodgers, the New York Jets’ signal-caller, also made Williams’ list as the superior quarterback to Stafford. This declaration stirred the pot in the football community, especially considering the debate around Mahomes’ status as the top quarterback in the league. While Stafford and Rodgers are undoubtedly exceptional quarterbacks, Mahomes’ résumé includes an MVP award, two Super Bowl titles, and a place among the league’s elite. His unique blend of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability is a tough act to follow, even for the likes of Stafford and Rodgers.
Reactions from X Users
Williams’ ranking of Stafford and Rodgers above Mahomes didn’t go unnoticed by the football community. Users on X (formerly Twitter) offered a mix of support and criticism.
One user praised Williams’ acknowledgment of Stafford’s talents, noting, “It’s awesome to watch these young QBs talk about how much they watch and learn from Matthew. First Mahomes, then (CJ) Stroud, and now Williams. I’ve watched Stafford in every game of his career and I understand why these players watch him so much. He is as ELITE as they come.”
Another commenter appreciated Stafford’s arm talent, writing, “It’s facts too, Stafford has one of the most gifted and talented arms in the history of the game. His talent got wasted in Detroit so a lot of people didn’t watch much of him. And Rodgers is the best thrower of the ball ever—that’s not even debatable.”
However, not everyone agreed with Williams’ choices. Critics argued that Williams’ list seemed like a slight against other top quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. One user suggested, “He can’t be serious. This has got to be a jab at Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. Some weird passive-aggressive type thing. Seems like something he would do.”
Another user hinted at a deeper motive behind Williams’ ranking, stating, “This guy really studied Patrick Mahomes’ tape and mimics a lot of his mannerisms on the field just to do him dirty like this. Crazy.”
Chiefs Preparing for Preseason Opener
As the debate over Mahomes’ ranking continues, the Kansas City Chiefs are shifting their focus to the field. With training camp nearing its end, the Chiefs are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener on Saturday, August 10, at 6 p.m. Central Time.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid indicated that the starters, including Mahomes, will play the first quarter before giving way to the second-stringers. Historically, however, starters often see limited action, typically participating in only one or two drives. This approach allows the coaching staff to evaluate the depth of the roster while minimizing injury risks for their key players.
As Mahomes gears up for another season, the quarterback’s critics might have unwittingly provided him with additional motivation. Whether or not he views Williams’ rankings as a challenge, Mahomes’ focus remains on continuing his dominant play and leading the Chiefs to yet another successful season.
