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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a touchdown by Spencer Ware #32 against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a touchdown by Spencer Ware #32 against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs: Promoting Patrick Mahomes

This was going to happen regardless but it’s still a decision that wasn’t easy to make. The Kansas City Chiefs had consistency and stability with Alex Smith. He had led them to the playoffs after his best season ever as a pro. It would’ve been easy to understand if they decided to postpone a shift at quarterback for one more year. Andy Reid didn’t blink though. Smith was traded to Washington to avoid any controversies and the team moved ahead with Mahomes.

The results speak for themselves. The second-year quarterback is having the best breakout season one has ever had at that position with 4,300 yards passing and 43 touchdown passes in just 13 games. He’s the runaway favorite for MVP and the reason the Chiefs are 11-2 and on the cusp of claiming homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Logical or not, the decision to go with him was a bold one that is paying off handsomely.

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