In a heated debate about the Kansas City Chiefs and their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, Stephen A. Smith has some strong advice: rest Mahomes and let backup quarterback Carson Wentz step in. This bold suggestion comes amid Mahomes’ recent injury concerns, particularly his high ankle sprain, which has raised doubts about his readiness for the upcoming games.
Stephen A. Smith Calls for Mahomes’ Rest: Stephen A. made it clear that Mahomes should not be rushed back into action. With the Chiefs holding a commanding 13-1 record, he believes there’s no need to push Mahomes back onto the field prematurely. Instead, Smith suggests that Mahomes should sit out the upcoming games, allowing him time to fully recover before the playoffs. He pointed out that Mahomes’ health is the Chiefs’ biggest asset, and risking further injury could prove disastrous for their Super Bowl aspirations.
Smith added that the Chiefs have a strong enough team around Mahomes, and he has confidence in the backup quarterback, Carson Wentz, to fill in for a game or two. “Let Carson Wentz earn his paycheck,” Smith exclaimed, implying that it’s the perfect time for Wentz to prove his worth and step up when the team needs him. He believes the Chiefs can still win without Mahomes, especially with the defense playing well and the offense being capable of scoring with Wentz at the helm.
Shannon Sharpe Agrees with Caution, but… Shannon Sharpe agreed with the sentiment that Mahomes’ health should be prioritized, but he expressed some doubts about the idea of resting him entirely for the regular season. While Sharpe recognizes that playing Mahomes on a compromised ankle could lead to further issues, he also stressed the importance of maintaining some game-time rhythm for Mahomes, especially with the Chiefs’ playoff positioning still up for grabs.
Sharpe suggested that Mahomes could be rested for the next game, but he should be ready to return against tougher opponents, like the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, to maintain a competitive edge heading into the playoffs.
The Bigger Picture: Can the Chiefs Win Without Mahomes? While Stephen A. argues for Mahomes’ rest, he acknowledges the challenges of asking Wentz to step into such an important role. However, he points out that Mahomes has played through ankle injuries before and still managed to perform at a high level. If the Chiefs can win one or two games without Mahomes, it would allow them to enter the playoffs with a fully healthy quarterback, which is the most important factor.
Ultimately, Smith’s advice reflects the larger strategy of ensuring Mahomes is in peak form for the postseason. Given the Chiefs’ current record and their playoff berth already secured, it may be wise to give Mahomes the rest he needs to ensure a deep playoff run.
Conclusion: The debate continues as the Chiefs balance Mahomes’ health with their quest for the top seed in the AFC. Stephen A. Smith has thrown down the gauntlet, calling for Mahomes to be rested and giving Carson Wentz a chance to prove himself. Whether the Chiefs will follow this advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Mahomes’ health is critical for Kansas City’s Super Bowl hopes, and how they handle his injury could determine their success in the postseason