Jim Harbaugh Will 'Punch' Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs 'In the Mouth', Says Ex-NFL Player Admitting Chargers HC's Supremacy: "He Wins Everywhere"
Jim Harbaugh Will 'Punch' Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs 'In the Mouth', Says Ex-NFL Player Admitting Chargers HC's Supremacy: "He Wins Everywhere"
The Kansas City Chiefs are planning for a three-peat! Not so fast, says ex-Raiders defensive star Akbar Gbajabiamila. While the Chiefs and QB Patrick Mahomes aim for a third straight Super Bowl win, Gbajabiamila believes one AFC West competitor might spoil the game. "There's one team that can punch them in the mouth and stop them from three-peating," Gbajabiamila declared on The Rich Eisen's Show. So, which team has the bite to challenge the Mahomes-led Chiefs per Akbar? It's none other than the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers. Former Raiders defensive end Gbajabiamila ain't just speculating. He sees a winning formula in HC Harbaugh: "He wins everywhere," Gbajabiamila added, referring to Harbaugh's success at USD, Stanford, the 49ers, and now the Wolverines. The Chargers can make a splash this season. Rookies like offensive tackle Joe Alt and WR McConkey could be key contributors, while a Harbaugh-style 'punch them in the mouth' football could disrupt the Chiefs' defense. Rich Eisen, a fellow Michigan-alumni, wasn't surprised by Gbajabiamila's pick. He highlighted Harbaugh's first season with the 49ers, where he took a 6-10 team to a 13-3 record and the NFC Championship Game. Could Harbaugh work his magic again and turn the 5-12 Chargers into a playoff contender? A seven-win swing, similar to the one he pulled off with the Niners, wouldn't be out of the question. This prediction, however, goes beyond stats and schemes. The 45-year-old remembers Harbaugh from his rookie days as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders. Now, with coach Jim Harbaugh back with the team, the Chiefs' three-peat bid won't be easy.
Mahomes faces a loaded field in the Chiefs' three consecutive Super Bowl quest
The Chiefs' three-peat trophy hopes may fail this season. Sure, QB Patrick Mahomes is a pro, but the AFC is full of hungry rivals. First, Harbaugh's arrival immediately increases the Chargers' threat. Beyond this, the Bills' Josh Allen and the Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa lead explosive offenses. And don't forget the perennially tough AFC North or the potential Houston surprise with rookie QB C.J. Stroud. The sheer depth at QB position, including Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, makes the AFC pretty daunting this season. Secondly, the Chiefs' key veterans like 34-year-old Travis Kelce (though extremely dominant on the gridiron) had a downturn last season. Lastly, injuries could be a big factor when pulling off the three-peat. The 2005 Patriots (the last team to almost do it) were derailed by injuries. To beat the odds, the Chiefs need luck and consistency. But don't get us wrong; Kansas City is still a force. However, ambitious opponents, TE Kelce's 2023 downturn, and the lack of precedence make a historic three-peat tough. Will the Chiefs overcome the odds? The 2024 season will be an intriguing test for the Kansas City Chiefs!