Containment & Pressure
The key to stopping Mahomes is a combination of containment and pressure. You cannot let him extend plays outside the pocket. Use defensive line alignments like 'Contain' (R1/RB + Right Stick Up) to keep your pass rushers from over-pursuing. Blitzing too much can backfire if your rushers don't get home, as Mahomes will pick apart man coverage.
- Recommended Formations: Nickel, Dime, Dollar (for passing downs). 3-4 or 4-3 with strong edge rushers.
- Play Calls: Zone Blitzes (e.g., Cover 3 Blitz, Cover 4 Blitz) to confuse Mahomes and generate pressure while maintaining coverage. Man Blitzes can work if you have elite cornerbacks and a fast pass rush.
- User Control: User a middle linebacker or safety to cover Travis Kelce. Kelce is Mahomes' safety blanket, and taking him away forces Mahomes to look elsewhere.
Coverage Schemes
Mahomes excels against both man and zone if given time. A hybrid approach is often best. Mix up your coverages to keep him guessing. Don't sit in one coverage all game.
- Cover 3/Cover 4: Good for preventing deep shots, but vulnerable to underneath routes and Mahomes' scrambling.
- Man Coverage: Risky due to the Chiefs' speed, but can be effective if you have elite corners and can generate a quick pass rush. Be wary of Mahomes' ability to scramble if your corners turn their backs.
- Spy/Contain: Always have a spy or contain defender on the field to account for Mahomes' scrambling ability. A fast defensive end or linebacker in a spy assignment can be very effective.
Key Tip: Force Mahomes to throw short and underneath. Tackle immediately after the catch to prevent YAC (Yards After Catch). Don't give up big plays.