Patrick Mahomes: Chiefs' inconsistency starts with me - ESPN

DENVER — After congratulating quarterback Bo Nix near midfield after the Broncos' last-second victory Sunday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes walked off alone and didn't say anything before entering the visitors locker room inside Empower Field.

Once there, Mahomes remained silent.

When he reached the podium for his news conference, he used his voice to take much of the blame for the Chiefs' 22-19 loss, an outcome that leveled the team's record at 5-5.

«I think we're really talented and we've got a lot of great players, but it's about being more consistent. I think it starts with me,» Mahomes said. «There's times where I'm firing and we're moving the ball down the field at ease. But there's times where we go in spurts where I miss a throw or a [pass]-protection call.

»We haven't been consistent enough to win games. It starts with me."

Throughout Sunday's game, Mahomes never was able to get in rhythm against the Broncos defense.

One of the biggest examples happened on the Chiefs' opening drive. Mahomes missed two deep shots where speedy receivers Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton were each open downfield. The pass to Worthy was overthrown by 3 yards. Had they connected, Worthy could have scored on a 61-yard reception.

«I've just got to make the throw,» Mahomes said. «There's no other way around it. The play was designed for (tight end) Travis (Kelce) — and I think Travis is wide open — but you have these alerts in your plays and how [safety Brandon Jones] was sitting with Xavier's speed, I knew he was going to have a chance down the field. I've just got to give him a chance. I miss that one.»

Entering the game, the Chiefs were hoping a victory following their bye week would give them the opportunity to chase down the