I typically don't indulge in intergenerational talent comparisons because they're an exercise in futility (I realize the irony of calling him the greatest rookie QB ever). Rules change, players training is better and athletes are constantly getting stronger/faster and more skilled on average as time passes. And you're right about the rule changes inflating offensive stats. However, I'd like to speak to your concern that he'll fall off:thebeast wrote: ↑Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:48 pm ^ is it really the greatest rookie performance? Scoring and passing are up significantly due to the new rules. Week 1 had something like four 500 yards passers when all of last year had like 3 500+ Yard passing games or something. Mahommes looks great, but we’ve seen these elite QBs years before and they are rarely followed at the same level.
While we can't compare apples to apples throughout football history to judge his statistical performance, we can look at the stats compared to QBs of the same era, as well as his performance compared to the rest of the league. As a rookie he's broken records held by Manning/Brady. He has the longest 300 yard passing game streak of any player ever. Physically he's capable of accomplishing feats on the field that others can't. His arm talent and strength are impeccable. Then when you combine the measurable statistics/athleticism with the more subjective evaluation of Mahomes intangibles, decision making and the outcomes of his play (winning), you can make a case for his greatness. Remember everyone forcasting a dip in production of all the skill position players in KC based on the switch from Alex Smith?
Bottom line, I'm not trying to stack Mahomes up against Marino/Manning/Brady or any HOF QB of your choice and say he is definitely better. There's still much to be proven. What I am getting at is that Mahomes has already proven to be a cut above guys who were a flash in the pan. You don't perform like this relative to the rest of the league and simply go away. This is historic.
You can go against the grain if you'd like, and you may end up looking smart when you were right based on your hunch or analysis of other past players lead you to the right conclusion when almost every football analyst was prepared to name Mahomes the next face of the NFL. That doesn't seem like a choice that will lead to fantasy success, but crazier things have happened.
But man, I think you'd agree with me if you watched the games. I've watched all of them. There isn't a yardage amount on 3rd down where I doubt he'll pick it up. His poise is incredible, throwing with defenders draped all over him, coming back in from deficits in hostile territory like a veteran.