A key storyline for Mahomes, in particular, is the pressure he faces as he attempts to chase down the legacy of the NFL’s greatest quarterback, Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Allen, while equally talented, isn’t yet burdened with the same kind of historic expectations. And as for Hurts, the young Philadelphia Eagles star has shown tremendous potential, but is he truly ready to carry his team to a Super Bowl in the near future?
Patrick Mahomes: Chasing Tom Brady’s Legacy
Patrick Mahomes has already cemented himself as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. With two Super Bowl titles, multiple MVP awards, and countless highlight-reel plays, Mahomes has been the face of the Kansas City Chiefs for years. But there’s a weight on Mahomes’ shoulders that isn’t quite as heavy on Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts: the relentless chase to match or surpass Tom Brady.
Brady’s seven Super Bowl victories set a standard in the NFL that no one has come close to touching—until Mahomes. With his incredible talent, Mahomes is seen as the one quarterback who could possibly challenge Brady’s legendary career. However, as good as Mahomes is, the pressure is immense. The expectation isn’t just for him to win Super Bowls but to win multiple, perhaps even surpassing Brady’s record in the process.
Every time Mahomes steps onto the field, he’s not just playing for championships but for a legacy that could define his entire career. The comparisons to Brady are inevitable, and while Mahomes may be on his way to building his own legacy, it’s impossible to ignore the weight of following in Brady’s footsteps.
Josh Allen: The New Era, But Less Pressure
Josh Allen is undeniably one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, with a unique blend of size, arm strength, and mobility. He has the potential to lead the Buffalo Bills to a Super Bowl, and with some playoff experience already under his belt, the future looks bright for Allen. But when comparing his pressure to that of Mahomes, there’s a clear distinction.
Allen is in a different situation. While the Bills and their fans certainly expect greatness, there isn’t the same overwhelming pressure on him to chase down a legacy like Tom Brady’s. Instead, Allen is in the early stages of building his own path to NFL greatness. Unlike Mahomes, who is in a race to capture championships and eventually challenge Brady’s legacy, Allen is allowed a bit more breathing room. He has time to grow and develop without the constant shadow of comparisons to the greatest quarterback of all time looming over him.
With Mahomes already ahead in terms of hardware, Allen’s challenge is more about proving that he can lead his team to a Super Bowl. He’s not chasing a historic figure like Brady; he’s carving his own identity in the league, and that offers a bit of relief from the intense pressure Mahomes faces.
Jalen Hurts: Confident and Ready for His Moment
Jalen Hurts is arguably one of the most impressive young quarterbacks in the NFL today. After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in just his third season, Hurts has shown that he’s capable of handling big moments. His leadership, dual-threat ability, and poise under pressure have earned him respect across the league, and his future looks incredibly bright.
But is Hurts under more pressure than Mahomes or Allen? The answer is more nuanced. Hurts isn’t expected to chase a legacy like Mahomes. While the Eagles’ fanbase has high expectations—especially after his incredible performance in Super Bowl LVII—Hurts is still early in his career, and his trajectory is just starting. With an MVP-caliber season and a Super Bowl appearance already under his belt, Hurts is poised to be a cornerstone of the NFC for years to come. However, the pressure on him isn’t the same as the pressure Mahomes feels to challenge Brady’s legacy.
The confidence Hurts displays on the field suggests that he’s aware of the expectations but isn’t overwhelmed by them. Instead of chasing a legendary figure like Brady, Hurts is focused on building his own path. His rise has been meteoric, but it’s more about proving himself in the now, not necessarily living up to a historical benchmark.
Who’s Under More Pressure?
While all three quarterbacks have immense expectations placed on them, Patrick Mahomes is undeniably under the most pressure. The comparison to Tom Brady is inescapable, and with his already impressive resume, Mahomes is expected to add more Super Bowls to his collection to solidify his legacy. This pursuit of greatness, while incredibly motivating, also carries a heavy burden. Every missed opportunity or setback will be amplified because Mahomes is playing not just to win but to redefine what success looks like in the NFL.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, has the luxury of not being tied to the same historical expectations. His challenge is more about proving that he can win a championship, but he doesn’t have the added weight of chasing Brady’s legacy. He’s creating his own narrative.
As for Jalen Hurts, his potential is undeniable, but at this stage, the pressure is relatively manageable. Hurts is still in the early years of his career, and his time to fully develop into a legendary quarterback is just beginning. The Eagles may have high expectations, but Hurts has shown he’s more than capable of handling the spotlight.
In conclusion, Mahomes carries the most pressure because of his pursuit of Tom Brady’s record. However, it’s also what drives him to be one of the best quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. For Allen and Hurts, their focus is on building their legacies in their own ways, without the looming shadow of Brady’s unparalleled career.
