On Sunday night, Patrick Mahomes showcased his ability to excel on the postseason road as much as he does at home, and it appears that the star quarterback found added motivation in comments made by a Buffalo Bills player.
In the Divisional Round clash at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, Mahomes guided the Chiefs to a 27-24 victory over the Bills. After the game, Mahomes posted a couple of photos on Instagram with the caption “Good Luck,” the words enclosed in quotes.
This was evidently a response to remarks made by Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins in the days leading up to the game. Dawkins had discussed the challenges visiting players face at Highmark Stadium and extended his well wishes to Mahomes and the Chiefs, emphasizing the unique environment of their home stadium.
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Dawkins had stated, “[Mahomes has] only been here once. So he’s never been here. Simple as that. Pat has never been to the Bills stadium in full. … The environment will be different, and not to say it’s in our favor, but the stadium is our favor. Stadium is us. That helps us. I don’t care what nobody says. This is the most dopest feeling I’ve ever had. We’re having two back-to-back playoff games home. Come on now, like we get to leave and go eat wings. It’s cool. So good luck.”
Despite the challenging atmosphere, Mahomes thrived, completing 17 of 23 passes for 215 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions on a windy night. He even had to navigate through some snowballs on his way off the field.
True to the nature of the best players, Mahomes embraced the big moment both at home and on the road, a feat he has accomplished numerous times in his career. It seems he didn’t perceive the need for luck, using Dawkins’ comments as additional motivation.
