In Kansas City on Saturday, during the Chiefs’ Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes provided a vivid illustration of the intense cold. In the midst of the third quarter, with the Chiefs attempting to expand their 16-7 lead in the red zone, the game came to a halt as Mahomes’ helmet suffered damage, resulting in a noticeable gap.
Mahomes’ Icy Challenge in the Wild Card Clash
The kickoff temperature plummeted to minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill factor of minus-27, marking it as the fourth-coldest game in NFL history. The extreme cold likely rendered Mahomes’ helmet shell more fragile than usual, and a collision with Dolphins safety Deshon Elliot resulted in a fist-sized chunk missing from the outer layer above Mahomes’ left eye.
Mahomes, determined to secure a touchdown, remarked, “I was trying to get in there. I was trying to get in that end zone. Young Pat would’ve got in. I’m getting a little old.” He recalled a similar scramble touchdown in the 2020 AFC Championship against the Tennessee Titans. Despite the helmet damage, Mahomes played on, emphasizing the commitment required in playoff games.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice mentioned that Mahomes knew about the cracked helmet but urged his teammates to focus on the next play. Mahomes acknowledged the impact of the cold on his equipment, stating, “I’m sure it had to do with it being really cold.” Despite the helmet damage, Mahomes played two more snaps before changing helmets before a crucial third-and-goal play, which ultimately ended in a field goal.
Helmet Chronicles: Mahomes’ Mid-Game Gear Struggle
During the broadcast, former NFL referee Terry McAulay suggested the Chiefs should have taken a timeout due to the stopped clock and Mahomes changing equipment. There were also concerns about a potential concussion evaluation since the helmet was damaged. However, Mahomes finished the game, indicating that standard concussion protocol was not triggered.
In the freezing conditions, Mahomes faced challenges with the backup helmet, which had frozen on the sideline. The coaching staff and players, including head coach Andy Reid, witnessed the rare sight of a helmet breaking in the coldest game in Chiefs history. Reid praised Mahomes’ competitiveness, emphasizing his exceptional will to win.
Despite the helmet incident, Mahomes threw for 262 yards and a touchdown, leading the Chiefs to a decisive 26-7 victory over the Dolphins. This win marked the 15th consecutive home playoff game for the Chiefs, and as the AFC’s 3-seed, they now await their opponent for the Divisional round.
In the Chiefs’ Wild Card clash with the Miami Dolphins, Patrick Mahomes found himself thrust into the harsh embrace of extreme cold, becoming a poignant symbol of the brutal weather conditions. The third quarter, a critical juncture with the Chiefs seeking to extend their lead, witnessed a dramatic pause as Mahomes’ helmet bore the scars of battle, displaying a pronounced gap.
The frigid kickoff temperature, registering a bone-chilling minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit, coupled with a punishing wind chill of minus-27, etched this game into NFL history as the fourth-coldest ever played. The severe cold likely rendered Mahomes’ helmet more susceptible to damage. A collision with Dolphins safety Deshon Elliot resulted in a substantial piece missing from the outer layer, just above Mahomes’ left eye—a testament to the unforgiving elements.
Victorious Outcome: Mahomes’ Resilience and Stellar Performance
Mahomes, undeterred by the bitter cold, reflected on his attempt to breach the end zone: “I was trying to get in there… I’m getting a little old.” Fondly recalling a similar scramble touchdown in the 2020 AFC Championship, Mahomes underlined the unyielding commitment demanded by playoff encounters.
Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ wide receiver, revealed Mahomes’ awareness of the helmet damage but witnessed his insistence on rallying the team for the next play. Mahomes acknowledged the weather’s toll, stating, “I’m sure it had to do with it being really cold.” Despite the compromised protection, Mahomes pressed on, participating in two more plays before switching helmets prior to a pivotal third-and-goal play, which ultimately concluded with a field goal.
In the course of the broadcast, Terry McAulay, a former NFL referee, posited that the Chiefs should have taken a timeout due to the halted clock and Mahomes’ equipment change. Additionally, concerns were raised about a potential concussion evaluation, given the compromised state of the helmet. However, Mahomes played through, signaling that the conventional concussion protocol was not activated.
The challenging conditions extended to the use of a frozen backup helmet, presenting Mahomes with additional obstacles. On the sideline, the coaching staff, including head coach Andy Reid, bore witness to the rare spectacle of a helmet breaking in the coldest game in Chiefs history. Reid, acknowledging the harsh reality, commended Mahomes’ indomitable competitive spirit, noting, “Once you go, now you’re just survival right there.” He expressed admiration for Mahomes’ will to win, which he deemed “ridiculous.”
Chiefs’ Playoff Streak: 15 Consecutive Home Wins
Despite the helmet incident, Mahomes delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 262 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs secured a resounding 26-7 victory over the Dolphins, marking their 15th consecutive home playoff game win. As the AFC’s 3-seed, the Chiefs now stand poised, awaiting their opponent for the upcoming Divisional round.