Cleveland Browns vs. Chiefs: Does Patrick Mahomes have a weakness?

We spoke with Travis Steffen of Arrowhead Addict and asked him about the upcoming game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs

Week 9 presents a unique challenge for the Cleveland Browns as they head into their next game with a new-look coaching staff. Gone is Hue Jackson and Todd Haley. In their places will be interim head coach Gregg Williams and new offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens.

If it’s of any consolation, both did well in their opening press conferences, even if Williams did raise some eyebrows about his offers for head coaching gigs.

While all that is interesting, the Browns are making these moves with a great team coming to town in the Kansas City Chiefs. Sitting at 7-1, they look nearly unstoppable. So we ask those who know them best where the weaknesses lie — especially in quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

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Here is our conversation with Travis Steffen of Arrowhead Addict ahead of the Week 9 game between the Browns and Chiefs.

DPD: The hype for Patrick Mahomes was insane leading up to the season and it seemed like it was overboard. Then we saw him play and realized he may not have been hyped enough. Are there any weaknesses to his game, if so, what is it?

"TS: You’re right, the hype train was full steam ahead and there were plenty that were trying to slow it down. He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations. There are still weaknesses however that are coming to light. He still has a weakness at times when it comes to middle linebackers hidden in coverage as you saw with the interception from Hightower against the Patriots. He will still try to fit it in windows he shouldn’t from time to time as well, but that comes with the playmaker."

DPD: We know how explosive Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Travis Kelce are. Who are some of the other weapons in the passing game that don’t get as much attention?

"TS: The running backs have been great in the passing game and I don’t just mean Kareem Hunt. Spencer Ware has been great as well coming back from injury. Kansas City often splits them out wide like receivers.Wide receiver Chris Conley is another name to watch out for. Given the amount of talent in the playmakers for the Chiefs, Conley often gets favorable matchups."

DPD: What do you make of the recent comments from Baker Mayfield that Patrick Mahomes should have been the top pick in 2017, not Baker’s teammate Myles Garrett?

"TS: It’s always great to hear other quarterbacks talk highly of Mahomes. The important thing to remember about Mahomes is it’s not only his talents but what’s surrounding him. The number of playmakers and the great coaching around Mahomes has built him into this quarterback.I’m not saying that he wouldn’t have had success outside of Kansas City, but the coaching of Reid and the situation he landed in is a major reason he’s this successful. We’ve seen good quarterbacks that wash out because of poor coaching or nothing around them."

DPD: Speaking of Myles Garrett, is he someone who strikes fear into you as a Chiefs fan? Who will be tasked with stopping him and how do you see that matchup going?

"TS: Garrett is a monster. I love watching him play. I’m not delusional in the thinking that he won’t cause issues. On the other hand, the Chiefs offensive line has done well with elite pass rushers this season despite the injuries. Kansas City was on their third center against Denver and are without their starting right guard till late in the season at best.Another part of the pass blocking is Mahomes’ ability to recognize that pressure and escape. He alone makes this offensive line better. His offensive line at Texas Tech was so bad that he makes this offensive line look elite even when there are key pieces missing. Hopefully left guard Cam Erving will have a better game this week with Garrett coming to town, but I could see him getting some noise in the backfield from time to time."

DPD: Kansas City seems to have taken a step back on defense recently. What do you think is the reason for this?

"TS: The defense is getting better as the season goes along, but it won’t be good this season. They’ve lost many key names on defense including Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, Eric Berry has been hurt, Marcus Peters, etc. The 2018 season will be a transition season for the defense with the overhaul of new young talent. They’ve also had a number of injuries on the defensive side.Eric Berry and fellow safety Daniel Sorensen have yet to play a single down. At one point we were on our sixth safety. The pass rushers have taken blows with Justin Houston and Tanoh Kpassagnon being out as well. Now you have inside linebacker, Anthony Hitchens. Despite the injuries, they are still slowly getting better."

DPD: Lastly, Dave Toub is on a short list for most teams when it comes to potential head coaching jobs. I like him a lot, but many people may not know who he is. Can you tell us your opinion of the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator? Also, will he make a good head coach one day?

"TS: I’m honestly surprised that he hasn’t found a head coaching job yet. The reasons could be the teams that are looking and it’s not a match for him, or maybe he’s not connecting with teams when they talk. Maybe it’s a do it my way or the highway. I have no idea.I also don’t know his abilities when it comes to offense and defense so maybe teams are skeptical to make a special teams coach in control of a whole team. He’s been great for Kansas City working with the bottom of the roster to develop the best special teams units in football for years. I expect him to get more attention this coming offseason."

Next. Browns 2019 NFL Mock Draft. dark

A big thank you to Travis for taking the time to speak with us ahead of the big game. Look for my discussion with him about the Browns later this week on Arrowhead Addict.

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