Super Bowl LVIX was a game that raised more questions than answers for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the undeniable talent of Patrick Mahomes and the coaching brilliance of Andy Reid, the Chiefs came up short in a stunning loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. As the dust settles from the defeat, one question continues to linger: Who is to blame for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIX loss—Patrick Mahomes or Andy Reid?

Some have even pointed to Tom Brady, often regarded as the gold standard for postseason success, suggesting that “Tom Brady would’ve had some answers.” It’s a critique that calls into question whether Mahomes’ ability to lead in the biggest moments, or Reid’s game plan, let the team down when it mattered most. Let’s break down the key elements of the loss and evaluate the blame between Mahomes and Reid.

Patrick Mahomes: The Struggles of a Superstar

When examining the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIX performance, it’s hard to ignore the struggles of Patrick Mahomes. Known for his ability to make plays in the clutch, Mahomes was under constant pressure from the Eagles’ defense. While he didn’t have a terrible game, he was far from his usual dominant self.

Throughout the game, Mahomes was harassed by the Eagles’ pass rush, which made it difficult for him to find rhythm. Despite his incredible mobility, Mahomes was sacked multiple times and couldn’t extend plays like he typically does. The offensive line, though solid at times, simply couldn’t contain the relentless pressure from Philadelphia. Mahomes was forced to make quick decisions, which led to a number of errant throws and missed opportunities.

In key moments, Mahomes seemed rattled. There were several instances where he could have made better decisions, either by throwing the ball away or checking down instead of forcing passes into tight coverage. While Mahomes was playing with an injury that likely affected his mobility, there were moments when his decision-making failed to live up to the high standard that fans have come to expect. Tom Brady, often lauded for his poise under pressure, might have been able to keep the offense moving with quick decisions and clutch throws.

However, it’s also important to recognize that Mahomes’ situation was far from ideal. The Eagles’ defense was playing at an elite level, and Mahomes wasn’t getting much help from his offensive line or receiving corps. Though Mahomes might have been outplayed by his counterpart Jalen Hurts in key moments, he was still facing an uphill battle throughout the game.

Andy Reid: The Coach at the Helm

On the other side of the equation is Andy Reid, one of the most respected offensive minds in football. While Reid’s game plans have led the Chiefs to incredible success, including a Super Bowl win, there were some questionable decisions in Super Bowl LVIX.

Reid’s offense seemed to lack a counterpunch against the Eagles’ defense. While the Chiefs attempted to stretch the field with deep throws, they didn’t make enough adjustments to attack Philadelphia’s weaknesses. The Eagles’ defensive line was applying constant pressure on Mahomes, but Reid didn’t make enough efforts to mitigate that pressure—whether through quicker passes, more screens, or using the running game to keep the defense honest.

Moreover, the Chiefs’ play calling appeared predictable at times. The lack of creative plays designed to get Mahomes in rhythm and on the move was glaring. The Eagles’ defense was prepared for Mahomes’ typical escape artistry, but Reid didn’t use enough motion, misdirection, or quick-hitting plays to throw them off balance. The offense lacked the same innovation that helped them win in earlier playoff games, and the Chiefs became too reliant on Mahomes’ ability to create magic on his own.

Reid also made some puzzling decisions, especially in terms of clock management and making adjustments to the game plan as the game unfolded. There were moments where the Chiefs seemed to be outcoached, particularly in critical situations, where they failed to capitalize on the Eagles’ defensive lapses.

The Blame Game: Mahomes or Reid?

So, who is to blame for the Super Bowl LVIX loss—the superstar quarterback or the seasoned coach? In reality, it’s a combination of both.

Mahomes: While he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Mahomes didn’t have his best game. His decision-making was sometimes erratic, and he struggled under pressure. As the leader of the team, Mahomes needed to elevate his play in the face of adversity, something we’ve seen from him in past games. However, the pressure was relentless, and Mahomes didn’t receive much help from his offensive line or his receiving corps.

Reid: As the head coach, Reid has the responsibility of putting his players in the best position to succeed. In this game, he didn’t make enough adjustments to neutralize the Eagles’ pass rush, and the offensive game plan lacked the creativity and innovation that has been a hallmark of Reid’s coaching. Reid’s failure to adjust when the Eagles’ defense began to dominate was a missed opportunity to help his quarterback succeed.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Ultimately, both Mahomes and Reid share the blame for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIX loss. Mahomes was not at his best and struggled to perform in key moments, but the circumstances surrounding him—an elite pass rush and questionable decisions from his coach—did not make his job easier. Reid, on the other hand, failed to provide enough adjustments and creativity to neutralize the Eagles’ defense and put Mahomes in better situations to succeed.

The comparison to Tom Brady is inevitable. Brady, known for his composure and ability to win games in any situation, might have found a way to lead the Chiefs to victory in this game. But that doesn’t diminish Mahomes’ abilities or Reid’s status as one of the best coaches in the game. Both have earned their accolades, but Super Bowl LVIX revealed that even the best of the best can have off days.

This loss will serve as a valuable learning experience for both Mahomes and Reid. With their continued talent and coaching prowess, the Chiefs will undoubtedly remain contenders for future championships. But Super Bowl LVIX showed that in the big moments, no one is immune from criticism—no matter how legendary their resumes may be.