Last Updated on September 16, 2022
The Ravens are preparing for a meeting with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and one of the key questions on the mind of Harbaugh is, “What does Mahomes say when he hikes the football?” The difference between a hike and fake is often as subtle as a single word in his cadence, but it’s an important distinction that requires plenty of practice. The Chiefs have become the dominant force in the NFL, and a game plan must be crafted to stop any big play.
Patrick Mahomes’ relationship with Brittany Matthews
Despite his high-paying job, Patrick Mahomes and his girlfriend have maintained a long-distance relationship. The former soccer star was close to Mahomes’ hometown in Texas, and even cheered on his senior high school soccer team. In 2013, the couple got engaged, and their relationship has been on the rise ever since. Matthews has even started a fitness website, and the two are co-owners of the KC Current soccer team.
In addition to the infamous ‘Hikes the Ball’ controversy, the pair have been praised for their long-distance relationships. Matthews, who is a part owner of the women’s soccer team in Kansas City, has been a frequent contributor to the Chiefs’ social media presence. In December, Matthews became a part owner of the women’s soccer team. In September 2020, Mahomes surprised her with an engagement proposal. The pair later shared a photo of a section of the stadium covered in roses, along with a ring. On September 29, 2020, the couple announced they were expecting a baby.
The Mahomes family has always praised Mahomes for his athletic abilities. Randi and Pat recognized his potential, and overcame their differences to raise an exceptional athlete. The Matthews’ parents have been nurturing his talent from the start, and the future looks even brighter for Patrick. They have been an inspiration for their son and his team, and they will continue to do so.
Mahomes’ motivation in the wild card round
Andy Reid has been coaching the Kansas City Chiefs for 17 seasons, and he has warned his players about the speed of a playoff game. With four postseason games under his belt, Patrick Mahomes is well aware of how quickly a game can change. The former Auburn quarterback is a good example of this. Mahomes isn’t cautious or overly cautious. He thinks and throws aggressively. It’s an example of his quick learning curve.
In the wild card round, Mahomes led the Chiefs on six straight touchdown drives. He threw five touchdown passes in a 42-21 win over Pittsburgh. The Chiefs face a talented defense in Buffalo, led by Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Sean McDermott lauds both of them. However, despite his recent success, Mahomes’ first pick in six home playoff games is a big setback.
Mahomes’ motivation during a game will depend on the type of play that follows it. On Sunday, Kansas City will host Buffalo, a team the Chiefs dominated 38-20 in October. Last January, Mahomes threw three touchdown passes and completed 19-of-26 passes for a TD. The Chiefs will look to make another run in the wild card round, after a loss to the Steelers in the AFC championship game.
Mahomes’ ability to limit big plays
Mahomes’ ability to limit big plays is something we can all admire, even if we’d prefer him to make more of them. In Week 1, he completed 29 of 48 passes for 338 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Mahomes is also known for his ability to take what the defense gives him. In that same game, he executed his game plan, which included a heavy dose of plays near the line of scrimmage.
Mahomes’ ability to limit big plays has been one of the main reasons why the Chiefs won 14 games last season, and it’s easy to see why. He is an exceptional passer, with incredible arm strength and talent. To slow him down and limit the number of big plays he throws, teams must limit his mobility. That means stopping him from getting out of the pocket, allowing him more time to run down the field, which is essential.
Mahomes has been effective against teams that use blitzes to slow down his speed and force him into big plays. His ability to escape blitzers creates more space for the other weapons in Kansas City. That space allows the defense to play high safeties or double Hill and Kelce. It has allowed the Chiefs to limit big plays and limit the amount of turnovers. A defense’s greatest challenge is preventing Patrick Mahomes from making big plays.
Mahomes’ creative mind
The next time you’re watching a game, try to imagine what’s going through Mahomes’ head. He’s a true freshman at Texas Tech. He’s under intense pressure from the interior lineman and another speedy rusher. But he’s scrambling to buy an extra moment. Instead of a pass, he drives down the field and drops it to Kelce. Then, he makes a spectacular catch. And then, just as he has been doing this for years, the Sooners score a field goal. They play a style of football that’s completely different than Kansas City.
Mahomes uses his creative mind to solve problems. He mixes up his throwing motions and leaps in order to keep his receiver guessing. He also throws the ball with a varying asymmetry. Mahomes’ creative mind is a major asset and is evident in the way he pitches the football. Fortunately, it’s a skill that has been nurtured throughout his career.
The quarterback also uses his imagination to run unique plays. In the past, Mahomes’ playbook was littered with “how the hell did he do that?” moments. But his ability to hike the ball has grown in leaps and bounds. It’s the combination of his arm talent and his imaginative mind that allows him to make those plays. The Chiefs’ quarterback is so creative and resourceful, his first OTAs were a perfect example of this.
His quarterback’s ‘Blue 80’
A quarterback who hikes the ball like Patrick Mahomes sounds like Helen Keller. He didn’t pronounce the ‘n’ in Helen correctly; he said ‘color’ instead. On first hearing, it sounds like Helen Keller, but it could be a case of Laurel versus Yanny in the NFL playoffs. Patrick Mahomes has been referred to as ‘Pat’ by media, but he actually uses the nickname “Patrick” at times.
While American football quarterbacks use “blue 80” as a code word when they hike the ball, it is not exclusive to the NFL. Quarterbacks typically yell out the same signal during their pre-snap rituals. For example, Tony Romo’s base cadence is “WHITE 80, SET HUT!” Another famous quarterback is Peyton Manning, who started wearing gloves on both his hands after neck surgeries left him with numb fingers.
The Chiefs’ offense has been sluggish throughout the season and was unable to capitalize on the opportunity to drive into the end zone against the Bengals. Patrick Mahomes was flustered by a two-high safety shell on a deep pass, but couldn’t get a pass away. When his supply line is cut off, he will slack off and make some questionable decisions.
His ability to make those plays
Hiking the football is a football terminology term. The center of the offense passes the ball through his legs. This type of pass is also known as a snap. A quarterback can also make a play on the hike by snapping the ball to his receiver. But what is a hike? This type of pass is not always successful. However, it can be an effective play if he knows how to make it.
About The Author
Gauthier Daniau is a freelance problem solver. He first discovered his knack for trouble-shooting when he was still in diapers - and hasn't looked back since. When he's not slaying zombies or internet ninjas, GAUTHIER enjoys working with animals of all shapes and sizes. He's also something of a social media expert and loves to get lost in numbers and figures.