Patrick Mahomes points fingers: Kelce and Rice under fire as playoff hopes slip away

Patrick Mahomes experienced one of the most frustrating nights of his career in the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Houston Texans, making it clear that even the best teams can falter when mistakes pile up at critical moments.

With a 6-7 record, the playoffs seem farther away than ever, and the quarterback’s frustration was evident both on the field and after the game.

Patrick Mahomes points out costly errors

During the game, Patrick Mahomes highlighted the costly mistakes of his star receivers, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, who dropped multiple key passes that destroyed the Chiefs offensive rhythm.

Each lost ball became momentum for Houston, as the Texans’ defense capitalized on every opportunity to halt a team that seemed unable to sustain its own game.

“I don’t have to say anything. I mean, he’s a champion for a reason. He knows what it takes and makes that play 99% of the time,” Mahomes commented about Kelce, making it clear that trust remains, but the reality of the mistakes was undeniable.

“Those guys have made plays in Super Bowls and AFC Championship games. Today it just didn’t go the way we wanted,” he added.

Kelce dropped it but this is a horrible throw pic.twitter.com/hF6Jam9tEZ

— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) December 8, 2025

Pressure mounts

Patrick Mahomes frustration reflected not only the drops by his receivers but also a weakened offensive line and questionable decisions in key moments.

An interception bounced off Kelce and into the hands of Azeez Al-Shaair, while Rice had his own difficult night, losing a critical ball on fourth down.

Kansas City’s offense never found its rhythm, leaving Mahomes trapped in a cycle of pressure and mistakes that defined the outcome.

The game also highlighted Andy Reid’s challenges when attempting risky plays, including a fourth-down attempt from their own 41-yard line that set up CJ Stroud’s decisive touchdown.

With these complications, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs now face crucial weeks where every detail can make the difference between a playoff miracle or the end of their hopes.

In a team accustomed to excellence, Sunday night made it clear that even Mahomes chemistry with his stars can be tested, and the Chiefs will need to overcome internal errors and external rivals if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive.