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Is ‘Freakazoid’ Mahomes Better Than Brady?

Posted on January 29, 2025 - 2:33 am by

Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady Debate Triggered by ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky

Dan Orlovsky recently revealed what separates Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ dynasty from the New England Patriots’ run that preceded it.

Tuning into any sports talk show quickly proves that quarterback discourse keeps the lights on. Your favorite quarterback is overrated, underrated, washed, or filled with untapped potential. He’s held back by his coaching staff or carried by a quality roster. It’s become synonymous with how every aspect of the sport is discussed.

Of course, that includes Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, although he’s left those petty mortal debates in the dust.

With three Super Bowls to his name and a fourth up for grabs on Feb. 9, conversations about Mahomes often include a single peer: Tom Brady.

Dec 8, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game at Gillette Stadium.

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City is on the verge of winning its third consecutive Super Bowl, something no quarterback (or team) has ever done. Subsequently, Mahomes’ dynasty has been in the spotlight.

On “First Take,” former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky revealed the key difference between Mahomes and Brady and how their success shaped their respective dynasties.

“The Chiefs are going back because they are everything that the Patriots were, with a freakazoid at quarterback,” Orlovsky said. “Tom Brady wasn’t the freakazoid. He’s the greatest of all time. Patrick is the best player I’ve ever seen.”

It would be ambitious to call Mahomes the greatest of all time. He’s yet to win his fourth Super Bowl, but by every career-long measure, Brady’s longevity is overwhelming. Mahomes will need to play for another decade to even sniff Brady’s 89,214 passing yards or 649 touchdowns. Held back by his youth, he still has fewer rings, Super Bowl MVPs, regular season MVPs, and All-Pro selections.

That obviously isn’t his fault. But it helps us define the “greatest” rather than the “best.” Orlovsky is confident in Mahomes being the latter. Perhaps the former will come.

It’s certainly fair to say Mahomes is tracking to be the greatest, or most-accomplished, passer of all time. No one has dominated the sport, both statistically and with regards to the trophy case. Brady won his fourth ring at 37 years old. Mahomes might have his before Presidents’ Day.

For now, though, it’s enough to revel in Mahomes as he currently exists – the most dominant quarterback on the face of the planet. Even in a down season, complete with 15 regular season wins, 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and a career-high in completion percentage, Mahomes turned in an all-time performance in the title game when it was needed most.

He’ll have the opportunity in the Super Bowl to take another shot at Brady, continuing to stack accomplishments that could one day overcome his 0-2 head-to-head record in the playoffs. But win or lose, 2024 has only been further evidence that Kansas City is privy to the very best the game currently offers.

Just sit back and enjoy the show.