Rookie of the Year? Please.
During the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe this weekend, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes faced some heckling about the new star quarterback in his division.
“Watch out for Justin Herbert next year,” a spectator yelled in his direction, referring to the Chargers’ second-year quarterback.
Mahomes was not bothered.
“I’ll see it when I believe it,” the Super Bowl MVP responded with a smirk.
The star QB likely meant to say “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but his point was made. Mahomes has a career 38-8 record in his three seasons as a starter, has won a Super Bowl and been in another. In all three years, the Chiefs have won the AFC West. He’s not afraid of anybody at this point.
Herbert had a highly impressive debut campaign with Los Angeles, throwing for 4,336 yards in 15 games and setting the rookie passing touchdown record with 31 en route to Rookie of the Year honors. The Chargers ended up finishing 7-9 and firing head coach Anthony Lynn, but could be a serious threat in Herbert’s second year behind new head coach Brandon Staley.
Herbert has had a lot of success in his two career games against the Chiefs, taking Kansas City to overtime in his first career start and winning 38-21 in Week 17 (though, Mahomes and most of the Chiefs starters did not play in that game). That said, it’s not a stretch to say the division will run through Kansas City until further notice.