Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he wants Andy Reid to bring back the quarterback sneak during a training camp press conference. Mahomes said, ” I always want to do the quarterback sneak because I haven’t got stopped yet. Even the one I got hurt on, I still got the first down.”
Mahomes dislocated his kneecap during a game against the Denver Broncos in 2019. Kansas City won the game 30-6 and Mahomes missed two games. Kansas City eventually won the Super Bowl.
Despite having a strong offense, Kansas City hasn’t been good in short-yardage situations. Last season Kansas City was at the bottom of the league on third and short. Kansas City failed to convert a quarterback sneak with Tight End Blake Bell against the New Orleans Saints.
The quarterback sneak is a popular play for short yardage. According to Sports Feel Good Stories quarterback sneaks are more successful than a running back carrying a ball on third and short.
Mahomes’ injury shows the risk of running the quarterback sneak. Quarterbacks put themselves in a vulnerable position when running the play. Quarterbacks can get injured, fumble and pull muscles because of their forward momentum.
Kansas City’s struggles on short yardage is puzzling. Last season Kansas City had a conversion rate of 48.9% on third and five and longer according to Team Rankings. Kansas City’s conversion rate was second in the NFL behind the Buffalo Bills.
The Philadelphia Eagles were notorious for the quarterback sneak. Philadelphia converted 29 quarterback sneaks on third and short and fourth downs. Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts excelled at the play and converted multiple times in the Super Bowl.
Should Kansas City Let Mahomes Run the Quarterback Sneak
I think Kansas City should leave the quarterback sneak out of the playbook for Mahomes. Mahomes is Kansas City’s most valuable player and shouldn’t be subjected to harm. Mahomes is already vulnerable in the pocket and outside the pocket because football is a violent sport. Leaving the play out is the best option for Kansas City.