Mahomes says Chiefs need to re-establish intermediate and deep pass game

Patrick Mahomes spoke to the media on Wednesday, November 4, about the Kansas City Chiefs’ need to re-establish their intermediate and deep pass game. Since Thornton’s ankle injury, the Chiefs’ offense has struggled to generate explosive plays, forcing Mahomes to rely heavily on short passes rather than pushing the ball downfield.

The Chiefs are 0-2 since their Week 4 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, a stretch that included a three-point effort against the Seahawks in Seattle. While Mahomes threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos, it required 30 completions on 41 attempts. Mahomes acknowledged the team’s need to re-establish the intermediate and deep pass game, telling reporters, Obviously, you miss Tyquan’s speed and how he’s able to track the ball downfield. … Some of the downfield stuff is more about the teams that we’ve faced. Obviously, we’ve got to get back to that.

Chiefs Explore Trade Options for a Deep Threat

With sidelined wide receiver Tyquan Thornton out until likely near the end of the regular season, the Chiefs are considering trade options to add a deep threat. Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been mentioned as a target due to his higher-end speed. However, the 24-year-old has fallen off from his rookie season, tallying just 10 catches for 117 yards and two scores in seven appearances this season. Acquiring Thomas would likely require a premium, such as a second- or third-round pick, and the Jaguars—sharing the same 5-2 record as Kansas City—may be reluctant to make a deal.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on downfield passing: "Obviously, you miss Tyquan's speed and how he's able to track the ball downfield… Some of the downfield stuff is more about the teams that we've faced… Obviously, we've got to get back to that… I think these other guys have…”

— https://x.com/goldmctNFL/status/2118044540913209751

Josh Downs as a Less Risky Alternative

A less expensive and lower-risk option could be Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who has requested a trade in the final year of his rookie contract. The Chiefs could potentially acquire Downs for a fourth-round pick or thereabouts. Downs, however, is an undersized slot receiver at five-foot, nine-inches tall and 170 pounds and is not the over-the-top threat that Thornton was when healthy. While he would provide an upgrade, he may not fully address the Chiefs’ need for a deep threat.