Rob Parker, a host on Fox Sports Radio, has sparked controversy with his assertion that Patrick Mahomes is no longer a top-five quarterback based on his current performance metrics.

Despite Mahomes’ impressive résumé, which includes three Super Bowl championships and two MVP awards, Parker argues that recent statistics reveal a decline in his play.

Parker compares Mahomes to NBA superstar James Harden, stating that while Harden shines in the regular season, he falters in the postseason. In a twist, he claims Mahomes has experienced the opposite trajectory.

“He’s like the James Harden in reverse,” Parker told Fox Sports Radio.

According to Parker, Mahomes’ performance in the regular season has faltered, overshadowing his historical postseason success.

Analyzing Mahomes’ struggles

Analyst Robert Guerra backs Parker’s claims with concerning statistics from Mahomes’ season thus far.

He points out that Mahomes has recorded five interceptions, placing him second in the league for turnovers. Additionally, with an average depth of target at just 6.1 yards, Guerra expresses worry that Mahomes has become overly dependent on short passes, a phenomenon he labels “check-down Charlie.” For perspective, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson averages over 13 yards per attempt.

Guerra further emphasizes that Mahomes’ passing yards total of 904 through the first four games marks the lowest of his career. His expected points added (EPA) per dropback is also at a career-worst 0.05. In his last nine games, Mahomes has thrown 12 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, showcasing a troubling trend for the star quarterback.

Parker highlights the challenges facing the Chiefs, particularly the injuries affecting key players like Travis Kelce and the running back position. He argues that Mahomes, who joined a talented Chiefs squad, now leads a team that struggles to perform at a high level.

“When you talk about all-time greats, you usually say they elevate the other people around you,” Parker explains, lamenting Mahomes’ inability to uplift his teammates in this challenging season.

Despite the Chiefs holding a perfect 4-0 record, Parker describes the team as “fraudulent,” suggesting that luck has played a critical role in their success. He raises the possibility that fans may have already witnessed the peak of Mahomes’ career, questioning whether his elite days are behind him.

As the debate continues, many fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Mahomes can rebound and reclaim his status as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks.