When it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs, the conversation about the best quarterbacks in the franchise's history starts and ends with just a few names. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the top 3 quarterbacks of all time for the Kansas City Chiefs.
1. Len Dawson - Dawson is a legend in Kansas City, having played for the Chiefs from 1962-1975. He led the team to three AFL championships and a Super Bowl victory in 1970. In his career with the Chiefs, Dawson was a six-time Pro Bowler and was named the game's MVP in Super Bowl IV. There's no denying that he's the greatest quarterback in the team's history.
In terms of his best games, the one that instantly springs to mind is Super Bowl IV in 1970, where Dawson led the Chiefs to a resounding 23-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Dawson was named Super Bowl MVP after he completed 12 of his 17 pass attempts for 142 yards and a touchdown, which was a tremendous achievement against the Vikings' formidable defense.
However, Dawson did have his bad days as well, and one of his worst games came in Week 6 of the 1962 season against the San Diego Chargers. Dawson had a terrible day, completing only 5 of his 14 pass attempts for a total of 57 yards and 2 interceptions. He also lost a fumble in the game, which meant that the Chiefs ended up losing to the Chargers with a score of 24-3.
Despite this forgettable performance, Dawson quickly bounced back and went on to have a fantastic career with the Chiefs. He was instrumental in bringing the team its first ever Super Bowl victory and is still revered by Chiefs fans to this day.
It's important to remember that even the best players have their off days and that we should appreciate them for their contributions to the game both when their performances are exceptional and when they aren't.
2. Trent Green - While Green may not be as famous as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, he was undoubtedly one of the most successful. He played for the team from 2001-2006 and led them to the playoffs in three of those six seasons. In 2003, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. Green was a consistent force for the Chiefs, and his impact on the team's success during his tenure cannot be understated.
One of Trent Green's best games for the Chiefs came during the 2002 season when he threw for 431 yards and three touchdowns in a win against the San Diego Chargers. He also set a franchise record by completing 80.6% of his passes. The game solidified Green as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league at the time.
Unfortunately, Trent Green also had his fair share of disappointing performances. In a game against the Miami Dolphins in 2005, Green threw four interceptions and lost a fumble, leading to a blowout loss for the Chiefs. The game was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in the NFL.
Despite the ups and downs, Trent Green remains a beloved figure among Chiefs fans. His leadership and toughness on the field helped guide the team through some challenging seasons, and his impact on the franchise can still be felt today. Whether it was a great win or a crushing defeat, we will always remember Trent Green's time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
3. Patrick Mahomes - Mahomes is the current face of the franchise and the quarterback who led the team to their most recent Super Bowl victory in 2020. He's still early in his career, having only played for the Chiefs since 2017, but his impact on the field has been nothing short of amazing. In his first year as a starter, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning him the NFL MVP award. He followed that up with a Super Bowl victory and a Super Bowl MVP award the very next season. While it remains to be seen how the rest of his career will play out, there's no denying that Mahomes has already secured his place in the conversation of the greatest quarterbacks in Chiefs history.
Mahomes' best game for the Chiefs came in 2018 during a shootout against the Los Angeles Rams. This was a high-scoring game with both teams putting up over 50 points. Mahomes finished with 478 yards passing and 6 touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a 54-51 victory. It was a game that showcased Mahomes' incredible arm strength and accuracy.
On the other hand, Mahomes' worst game for the Chiefs was in the 2021 Super Bowl against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mahomes struggled in this game, finishing with just 270 yards passing, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Chiefs' offensive line struggled to protect Mahomes, and he was under constant pressure throughout the game. Despite his struggles, Mahomes showed great resilience and determination, trying to lead his team to a comeback victory until the very end.
While Mahomes has had some incredible performances for the Chiefs, he has also had some tough outings. However, what sets him apart is his ability to bounce back and learn from his mistakes. With his talent and work ethic, there is no doubt that Mahomes will continue to improve and have even more unforgettable moments in his career with the Chiefs.
Ultimately, the top 3 quarterbacks for the Kansas City Chiefs are Len Dawson, Trent Green, and Patrick Mahomes. These three quarterbacks have all left their mark on the team's history in different ways and will undoubtedly be remembered as some of the greatest players ever to wear a Chiefs uniform.