🚨 NFL SHOCKER: Craig Carton just dropped a BOMBSHELL on Chiefs Kingdom — “I don’t care what anybody says… Patrick Mahomes has REGRESSED. He’s no longer at the top with Josh Allen, Lamar, and others.” Fans are furious, the debate is exploding, and the internet is on fire 👀🔥👇

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 1–2 start has already raised eyebrows across the NFL, but sports radio host Craig Carton just turned up the heat — and his words are sending shockwaves through Chiefs Kingdom.

“I don’t care what anybody says,” Carton declared on his show. “Patrick Mahomes has regressed as an elite quarterback. He’s not up at the top anymore with Josh, Lamar, and a few more.”

For a quarterback widely regarded as the most gifted player of his generation, the statement was nothing short of a bombshell.

The Critique

Carton’s argument centers on Mahomes’ uncharacteristic struggles to start the season. While his stat line still looks respectable on paper, the eye test has raised questions: forced throws into tight coverage, missed connections with receivers, and costly turnovers that have shifted momentum in crucial moments.

“Watch the tape,” Carton urged. “The magic isn’t there like it used to be. Defenses have figured him out, and instead of adjusting, he’s pressing. That’s regression, plain and simple.”

He went on to argue that quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are showing more consistency right now, pushing Mahomes further down the list of “untouchable” elite QBs.

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

Through three games, Mahomes’ completion percentage and passer rating have dipped compared to previous seasons. The Chiefs’ offense, once a juggernaut, has sputtered at times, with drives stalling and red-zone efficiency lagging.

Critics point out that Mahomes has looked unsettled behind an offensive line still finding its rhythm, and that his timing with a younger receiving corps remains a work in progress. But Carton insists the issues go beyond chemistry or protection.

“This isn’t about the O-line or drops,” he said. “It’s about Mahomes not being the same player. The wow plays are gone. He looks… ordinary.”

Fans Clap Back

As expected, Chiefs fans didn’t take the critique lightly. Social media lit up with passionate defenses of their franchise cornerstone. Many pointed out that Mahomes is still the reigning Super Bowl MVP and has delivered under pressure in ways no other quarterback in the league has matched.

One viral reply read: “A 1–2 start doesn’t erase 2 MVPs and 3 Super Bowl appearances. Relax.” Another added: “Mahomes’ ‘regression’ is still better than 90% of the league’s best games.”

Still, some fans admitted that Carton’s comments hit a nerve. “I love Mahomes,” one post said, “but something does look off. Maybe he’s trying too hard to carry everyone on his back.”

Analysts Weigh In

Carton isn’t alone in noticing Mahomes’ uneven play, but few have been as blunt. Some analysts argue that defenses have adjusted, forcing Mahomes to play more patiently — and that his occasional struggles are more about learning discipline than losing ability.

Others agree with Carton that the early signs are troubling, particularly if the Chiefs’ supporting cast doesn’t elevate their play. Without consistent receiver separation and cleaner O-line protection, Mahomes may feel forced to manufacture miracles, and even he can’t always deliver.

What’s at Stake

For Kansas City, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A 1–2 start doesn’t doom a season, but with expectations of another Super Bowl run, the margin for error is slim. Mahomes doesn’t just need to play well — he needs to play like the Mahomes the league fears.

If he rebounds, Carton’s take will look like another fleeting hot take in the noisy world of sports media. But if the struggles linger, the debate over whether Mahomes is still the undisputed best in the game could grow louder than ever.

The Bottom Line

Craig Carton’s declaration may sting, but it has forced the football world to confront an uncomfortable question: has Patrick Mahomes truly regressed, or is this just a temporary slump in a long season?

One thing is certain — all eyes will be on Mahomes in Week 4. And the answer may come not in words, but in the only place it ever really matters: on the field.