ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Per week after he realized he was the fourth-rated quarterback in Madden NFL 26, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes selected to provide a diplomatic response to the favored online game’s choice regardless of main his teammates to the Tremendous Bowl the previous three seasons.
“I like taking part in Madden, so I want to be rated greater,” Mahomes stated, grinning. “However I’ve received to play and showcase that stuff on the sphere. I consider that if I’m going on the market and play the soccer I wish to play, we are able to get to 99 fairly rapidly.”
In a little bit of a shock to most followers of the online game, Mahomes’ total ranking was 95. Three of Mahomes’ contemporaries — Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals — have been all rated greater. Allen and Jackson are rated 99, the very best within the recreation. Burrow is third with an total ranking of 97.
“They rated you 95, once more,” Bobby Stroupe, Mahomes’ longtime coach, wrote in a submit on his X account that included a photograph of the 2 of them throughout an offseason exercise.
Following Thursday, Mahomes was extra centered on the Chiefs’ upcoming preseason opener Saturday towards the Arizona Cardinals. The exhibition would be the first time that Mahomes performs with a number of newcomers in new positions, equivalent to rookie left deal with Josh Simmons, left guard Kingsley Suamataia, working again Brashard Smith and receivers Tyquan Thornton and rookie Jalen Royals. Mahomes is anticipated to start out Saturday’s recreation and lead the offense for a few drives within the first quarter.
“I do not essentially stay up for getting hit,” Mahomes stated, laughing. “I at all times like getting hit as soon as [in the preseason], but it surely’s nonetheless a shock. I am simply excited to see the place we’re at.”
Mahomes additionally shared that he is not going to be bringing his personal smelling salts to video games this season. On Tuesday, the NFL despatched a memo to all 32 golf equipment that said “golf equipment are prohibited from offering or supplying ammonia in any type at NFL video games” for the 2025 season. The following day, the league acknowledged that gamers can nonetheless provide their very own smelling salts for video games.
“I am not an enormous smelling salts man,” Mahomes stated. “I am not likely hitting individuals, although. I do know individuals do use these and never for dangerous causes. It is to get able to go. I am positive some individuals work out a solution to get the smelling salts on the market. It is a very important a part of the sport.”