EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' first reaction after Sunday's 22-6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers was to make a joke. Of course, Mahomes knew his joke would be funny because his statement, after asking a question while at the podium, included some truth.Mahomes, now in his 10th year, earned his 100th win with the Chiefs in his 131st regular-season start, tying Tom Brady for the fewest games started in NFL history (since 1950) at the time of his 100th career win."I'm like, when did Tom lose another game?" Mahomes said with a laugh. "I feel like every game I win, I tie him."Throughout much of his career, Mahomes has been compared to Brady. Just like Brady did with the New England Patriots, Mahomes has propelled the Chiefs to a dynastic run, winning three Super Bowls before the age of 30. And Mahomes has once again led the Chiefs to a 5-0 start as the lone undefeated AFC team."In all seriousness, it's always an honor to be in any conversation, as far as winning [games], with him," Mahomes said of Brady. "That's the GOAT. He knows how to win football [games] better than anyone, really. If you can be mentioned in any category with him, it's special."Even without Mahomes' top two receivers, Rashee Rice (right hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (dislocated left ankle), the Chiefs built a double-digit lead before halftime. In the first half, Mahomes was perfect when he wasn't pressured, completing all 13 such passing attempts for 140 yards, according to ESPN Research.Mahomes, in assessing his performance, was pleased that he didn't try to create too many highlight-worthy passes. Instead, he took advantage of the openings in the Chargers' defense, sometimes with his legs."As I've gone throughout my career, I think I've gotten better and better at winning," Mahomes said. "It's not always pretty. It's not always how I want it to be -- I want to throw three touchdowns, four touchdowns, and I want to put up big stats."But whenever your defense is playing like they [were] today, you can't force it."Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, a six-year veteran, said he thinks Mahomes is "the best quarterback of all time.""Obviously, I'm biased, but it's been an honor and a pleasure to be able to block and work for a guy like that," Smith continued. "The level of leadership, the attention to detail and how serious he takes his craft, is really special to watch. I'm glad to be a small microcosm of it."Against the Chargers, Mahomes connected on a pass with eight teammates. With a larger role, receiver Xavier Worthy finished Sunday's game with a season-high seven receptions for 73 yards. Travis Kelce and fellow tight end Noah Gray combined to produce 106 receiving yards. On a first-and-20 snap, rookie receiver Cyrus Allen had a nice moment with a 23-yard catch."We're lucky to have him," coach Andy Reid said of Mahomes. "He does a heck of a job playing. He's a great player, a great leader."Mahomes acknowledged that defeating the Chargers made him reflect on the last time the two AFC West rivals played, on Dec. 14 of last season. It was in that loss, which eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention, that Mahomes suffered the most significant injury of his career, a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee."I try to have fun out there and enjoy the wins," Mahomes said. "You never know when it's going to be your last one. You want to take advantage of every opportunity you get to step on the field. I think last year, in general, put everything in perspective for me to just have fun when you're out there."Mahomes understands he has many more games ahead of him if he wants to match or surpass Brady's career win total (251) and his Super Bowl rings (seven)."All I can focus on is today -- and winning today," Mahomes said. "I mean, he's got like [almost] 15 more years. I'm only 31. He played until [he was] 45, so that's a long way away."It's always an honor to be in any conversation with him and the way he played the game. That's how you want to play. You want to be a competitor, you want to win and you want to bring your teammates along. That's who I want to be as my career goes on."
