Off Topic » Patrick Mahomes awoke early on Tuesday to open

KANSAS CITY Ryan Shazier Jersey , Mo. (AP) — presents with his little sister and the rest of his family, then the Chiefs quarterback hopped in his car for a quick trip to Arrowhead Stadium.Where he watched film. On Christmas.He got in his usual couple of hours of game-week prep on what is typically a day off for NFL teams, then hopped back in his car and headed home for the family feast.Then he watched more film. Still on Christmas.It’s that dedication to Mahomes’ craft that has helped the second-year pro become an MVP candidate as a first-time starter. He already has shattered numerous franchise records, including yards passing and TD passes in a single season, and Mahomes has positioned Kansas City for a third straight AFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a victory Sunday over Oakland.The biggest wild card for the Chiefs entering the season has become their one constant.“It’s the process. You set up the schedule for a reason,” Mahomes said Wednesday, when the rest of the Chiefs returned to practice.“You follow the same schedule — game plan, watch film, practice — and you do the same things you’ve been doing to have success.”At this point Maurkice Pouncey Jersey , why would Mahomes deviate from his routine?He’s thrown 48 touchdown passes to lead the NFL by a dozen, and his 4,816 yards passing trail only Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He leads the league in yards per attempt among QBs that have started all season, and only the Saints’ Drew Brees has a better quarterback rating.Speaking of ratings, Mahomes only has had three games in which his rating has failed to reach 100, and the Chiefs still won all of those games. He’s thrown a TD pass in every game except one, and that was a 30-14 rout of Jacksonville.And he’s thrown at least three touchdown passes in 10 games, with a pair of six-touchdown efforts in shootouts against the Patriots and Rams.“You just trust the process,” Mahomes said in explaining his unflappable nature. “Trust that your teammates are going to make the big plays they’ve made all year Cameron Heyward Jersey , and trust in my ability not to do too much. You just play the same game you’ve played all year.”Or the same game he’s played his whole life.Few were convinced that Mahomes would seamlessly transition from the Air Raid system of Texas Tech to the versatile, complex West Coast offense of Andy Reid. But the Chiefs coach saw enough of him last season in practice that Reid was willing to trade away Alex Smith and give him a shot.Now, the Chiefs are promoting Mahomes in MVP hype videos as they barrel toward the playoffs.“I am happy for all these guys, whatever accolades they get,” Reid said. “Patrick has worked hard for all of that stuff. There are a lot of great players in this league, so all the sudden you get pointed out as doing that, it’s important. Then it’s important to get back to what is real and that’s the game. But I am happy for him. A lot of work went into that for him.”Right, the game. The one that Mahomes was in the film room prepping for on Christmas, while the rest of his family was relaxing at home. The Chiefs have already squandered two chances to lock up the division title Ben Roethlisberger Jersey , and they could fall all the way to the No. 5 seed with a loss Sunday.So it makes sense that Mahomes was cramming for the Raiders on Tuesday.Even if it didn’t mean straying from the norm.“Everybody is excited for the opportunity,” Mahomes said, “getting to play a division opponent, a rival in our division, then get to play at Arrowhead Stadium. We want to stay here from here on out. If we come out and play like we know we can, we can make a run at this thing.”Notes: RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif returned to practice for the first time since breaking his fibula and tearing ligaments in Week 5 against Jacksonville. It begins a three-week window in which Duvernay-Tardif can get up to speed. “We’ll just bring him back gradually,” Reid said. “It’s just a matter of getting caught up with the speed of the game.” … Reid said WR Sammy Watkins was out of a walking boot and “moving around,” though his return remains uncertain. He hasn’t played a full game since early November. After an emotion-filled win over Cleveland, the Steelers look to really roll at the half-way point of their season if they could just exorcise demons against a bitter rival in a tough place to play. If you want to know how my emotions fluctuated throughout the day Antonio Brown Jersey , keep on reading.Nonetheless, a simple reminder, a knee jerk reaction is an immediate and unthinking, emotional reaction. It’s basically shooting first and apologizing later. I can safely say that’s a true definition of your’s truly and a good lot of Steeler Nation. Here’s my real-time reactions during the Steelers’ most recent quest for redemption.Quarter 1.They need to get off of the field without yielding points on this first drive.Burnett was way out of position on the first down to Andrews.Even though the Ravens recovered, the botched handoff from Lamar Jackson could neutralize him going forward.Tuitt’s sack won’t count. He was offsides.They are bringing pressure and it’s their best bet to make a difference.I like Ben’s “stronger then hate” shoes. Nice tribute.Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsIf they can get Conner going early, it will help set up the pass. I wonder if Big Ben sees TSizzle in his dreams.Not a fan of runs on third and long.That pooch punt was Berry-like. I’d rather them had gone for it.I’m glad Kay Jewelers allowed me to miss a big Raven gain.Hilton May be 5’9”, but he plays huge.Holding them to three is huge.James Washington needs a catch bad, but that was no way the rookie’s fault.Gotta love “Toe Tap Tony”.I’d love to see a TD here, but one to No. 13 would be awesome.Thought that was going to be a pick six.Pretty touchdown for James Conner. Nice assist by the Vanimal.AB’s finger needs to be okay.Quarter 2A good First Quarter for Pittsburgh. Need to keep it going.They seem better prepared for Jackson this time.A short pass third and long by BMore Greg Lloyd Jersey , glad to see another fan base shake their heads in disbelief.Washington is emerging.The line really won that first down. Good hole for JC.They aren’t going for it. Just looking to draw a penalty.Glad I was wrong.Love that drive. Love AB getting involved.Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsWas surprised they called that on Edmunds.That really could have been a roughing call. Ben got walloped by Onwuasor.Really missed an opportunity on that drive. JuJu can’t drop those.The Steelers need to keep them pointless up to the half.Bud Dupree was definitely held there. No worries.Vance was down.Good half.Quarter 3A head shot is not equal to a hold. JuJu got crushed.Good blitz pick up by the Steelers.With JuJu out, switcher and Washington you can come up big.ABC. AB=Clutch.Good to see No. 19 back.A touchdown here could be a killer. I love when my predictions are wrong. Conner is closing in on the century mark.Amazing drive. That’s where deferring works perfectly. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Well looks like the prediction on Boswell’s being back was wrong. These teams are getting real chippy with each other now. It’s a shame that pick is getting negated. That could have really squashed the Ravens.With the lead only seven, the Steelers are approaching the danger zone.Bud Dupree has really come alive. He’s becoming an asset.Quarter 4Third and 23. Gotta stop them here.Should have had good field position, but the field just got flipped big time.They need a clock-killing drive here.Offensive PI. This officiating crew is awful.Josh Dobbs. Wow!!!Ben is a cowboy. Damaged, dinged but always rides.The Outlaw steals the show. I love Jesse James.Boswell needs to rebound here.And he does. Nice!Tomlin has these guys feeling it. He deserves more credit.Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsDavis is having another nice game.TJ Watt just decimated Crabtree. Lucky that play didn’t net a first down. 5:23 left. Need to go to clock drain mode while remaining aggressive.Matt Feiler has really worked his way well on this line.Four 100-yard games in a row for Conner. Wow!Huge third down.AB is a huge player.So is Ben and JuJu.They need to convert again on third down to ice this game.That was a coverage sack. Smart by Ben to take it.:57 seconds. Never easy.Coty needs to catch those. Nice game by him though.Nix got blocked in the back. Not called. Really?Tuitt has really come alive. Dupree...Oh no!Great team win. But better yet, a complete game....So...now as I replay the game more and more in my head, my perceptions and maybe my prescriptions will alter. But for now, you just got a glimpse of the first thoughts that popped in my mind while I was watching this game. Feel free to get your knee jerks on in the comments section.