Patrick Mahomes Leads All NFL Quarterbacks in Rushing – But Why That’s a Problem
It’s the kind of statistic that makes you look twice. Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the most gifted passers in NFL history, currently leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards. At first glance, it sounds like another milestone to add to his already legendary résumé. But as USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell wrote this week, it may not be the badge of honor that Chiefs fans or coaches want to celebrate. In fact, it points to deeper issues in Kansas City’s offensive structure and raises concerns about sustainability for their franchise cornerstone.
The Dual Threat That Wasn’t Supposed to Be
Mahomes has always been mobile. His escapability, vision, and uncanny ability to throw while on the move have redefined the quarterback position. He doesn’t rely on his legs the way Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts might, but he uses them in bursts — scrambling for first downs, extending plays, and tormenting defenses that think they’ve got him cornered.
But leading the league’s quarterbacks in rushing yards? That was never part of the plan. Mahomes is, after all, a passer first and foremost — the man with two MVP awards, three Super Bowl titles, and a highlight reel that includes no-look passes, cross-body lasers, and throws that defy physics.
This year, though, he’s using his legs more than his arm at times. That isn’t a good reflection of where the Chiefs offense is, and it certainly wasn’t the script head coach Andy Reid envisioned heading into the season.
A Symptom of Offensive Struggles
Kansas City’s offensive identity has always revolved around Mahomes’ passing brilliance. Yet the 2025 season has seen the Chiefs’ air attack falter at uncharacteristic levels. Drops from wide receivers, inconsistent protection, and a lack of rhythm have turned what used to be the league’s most feared offense into a unit searching for answers.
That’s where Mahomes’ rushing numbers come in. Instead of delivering strikes downfield, he has often been forced to tuck the ball and run — either because receivers aren’t open, the pocket is collapsing, or designed plays break down.
For Bell, the takeaway is clear: Mahomes’ leading the rushing charts for quarterbacks isn’t proof of evolution. It’s proof of desperation.
“It’s a stunning statistic,” Bell wrote. “But it’s not a good thing. This isn’t how the Chiefs are supposed to function, not with one of the greatest pure passers in NFL history under center.”
The Risk Factor
Then there’s the question of risk. Quarterbacks who lead the league in rushing tend to be built for it — think Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or even Cam Newton in his prime. Mahomes is athletic, but his game has always been built around balance. Every extra hit he takes while running raises the chances of injury, a nightmare scenario for a team whose entire identity revolves around his availability.
In past seasons, Mahomes has dealt with ankle sprains, turf toe, and other lower-body injuries that have impacted his play. The more he runs, the greater the strain on his body. Chiefs fans remember all too well the image of Mahomes hobbling through the playoffs on a high-ankle sprain just two years ago. Can Kansas City really afford to put him in that situation again, this time by design or necessity?
What It Says About the Chiefs’ Weapons
The rushing stat also highlights a glaring problem: Kansas City’s weapons aren’t performing. Travis Kelce remains a trusted target, but at 36, he’s not the same player he was in his prime. The wide receiver corps, despite offseason adjustments, still lacks a consistent playmaker who can stretch the field and keep defenses honest.
For years, Mahomes could count on Tyreek Hill to open up the playbook. Since Hill’s departure, the Chiefs have experimented with a rotating cast of receivers — none of whom have stepped into that role convincingly. As a result, Mahomes has shouldered even more responsibility, often bailing out drives with his legs instead of relying on reliable pass-catchers.
The Offensive Line Question
Another contributing factor is pass protection. Mahomes is exceptional at buying time, but even he can only escape so much pressure. When the offensive line struggles, his rushing totals rise. The Chiefs invested heavily in their line after the Super Bowl LV disaster against Tampa Bay, but the cohesion hasn’t always been there this season.
For Bell, the picture is troubling: an offense meant to be dynamic and explosive has instead forced Mahomes to play survival football.
A Call for Balance
Ultimately, Mahomes’ rushing success is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates his adaptability. Even when the offense falters, he finds ways to move the chains. On the other, it underlines just how far Kansas City has drifted from its blueprint.
The Chiefs don’t need Mahomes to be their leading rusher. They need him to be their leading passer, the conductor of an offense that scores in bunches and dictates games. His legs are supposed to be a weapon of last resort, not the focal point of Kansas City’s offensive production.
If the Chiefs want to make another deep playoff run, Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy must reestablish balance. That means trusting the run game with Isiah Pacheco, developing a consistent receiving threat outside of Kelce, and shoring up pass protection.
Conclusion: A Warning Sign, Not a Record to Celebrate
Patrick Mahomes leading all NFL quarterbacks in rushing is the kind of stat that gets attention, but not for the right reasons. It’s less a celebration of his brilliance and more an indictment of how Kansas City’s offense is functioning right now.
Mahomes will always be capable of improvisation. He can scramble, he can make defenders miss, and he can turn broken plays into highlight moments. But that shouldn’t be the plan. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not safe for a quarterback who means everything to his team.
The Chiefs’ challenge moving forward is clear: find ways to let Mahomes do what he does best — dominate as a passer. Until they fix the issues around him, this “stunning statistic” will remain a red flag rather than a badge of honor.
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