Patrick Mahomes left scrambling for respect after critic’s controversial QB ranking

Patrick Mahomes (Getty Images)

Patrick Mahomes is heading into the 2026 NFL season with plenty to prove, but not because his résumé suddenly needs repairing. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is already a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the league’s defining stars. Still, his return from a torn ACL has opened the door for fresh debates. Dan Orlovsky’s latest rankings have now added fuel to that conversation, and Chiefs fans are already waiting for Mahomes’ response.

Patrick Mahomes ranking sparks debate among Chiefs fans

Dan Orlovsky’s assessment focused on individual quarterback traits rather than overall career value. That distinction matters, especially for Patrick Mahomes, who has built his reputation through creativity, late-game composure and an ability to turn broken plays into huge gains.The former NFL quarterback ranked Mahomes fifth in arm strength, seventh in rushing ability, ninth in decision-making and third in second-reaction ability. However, Mahomes did not make Orlovsky’s top 10 for ball placement, mechanics or pocket presence.His decision-making ranking attracted particular attention. Orlovsky pointed to Mahomes throwing 11 interceptions during the 2025 season, while also noting that the Chiefs quarterback was often trying to create something when the offense had few answers.“He threw 11 interceptions last season, but he was constantly trying to find plays when they weren’t there,” Orlovsky wrote about Mahomes, who also ranked outside the top 10 in PFN NFL QB Impact last season.Orlovsky also highlighted pocket presence as an area where Mahomes dropped on his list. His explanation included the quarterback’s injury and the uncertainty surrounding his return.“This year, that will probably be Patrick Mahomes,” he wrote. “I dropped him on a few lists as he comes back from a torn ACL.”Orlovsky was not dismissive of Mahomes overall. He still described him as “one of the best quarterbacks in the world when he’s healthy” and expressed confidence that the Chiefs star would return soon.That qualifier, however, did little to calm the reaction from Kansas City supporters.

Chiefs trainer Bobby Stroupe sends pointed message

Patrick Mahomes has never needed much motivation to compete, but his longtime trainer Bobby Stroupe appeared to welcome the opportunity to turn the rankings into fuel.Stroupe responded directly on X, keeping his message brief while making it clear that he had noticed Orlovsky’s evaluation.“Oh. 👌 We will keep Dan informed as the season goes on,” Stroupe wrote.That response quickly caught the attention of Chiefs fans. Many interpreted it as a promise that Mahomes’ performances would eventually provide their own answer.X user Beth replied, “lololol,” while THEzackofalltrades wrote, “Dan is an idiot and this WON’T AGE WELL.”Another fan, Mat XIV, took the reaction a step further, writing, “Ohhh [expletive] Dirty Dan just woke the receipt-keeper. LFG boys.”Scott Fitzgerald added another layer to the growing excitement, writing, “I’d pay a hefty price to get a peek at the Stroope training facility bulletin board about now.”The real test, of course, will come when Mahomes returns to meaningful NFL action. Rankings can create headlines during the offseason, but they cannot determine what happens on Sundays.For a quarterback who has repeatedly answered criticism with big performances, the 2026 season could offer Mahomes another chance to turn outside doubt into motivation. His recovery will remain the biggest storyline, but once he is back on the field, his play will have the final word.