When thinking about the key people who contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs' back-to-back Super Bowl-winning campaigns, most fans would mention Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid , and Travis Kelce . There aren't many who would throw Marquez Valdes-Scantling 's name in the mix.
The Chiefs have had a locker room full of quality players since coach Reid and general manager Brett Veach took over and won three Lombardis. Valdes-Scantling believes that he was one of the key members of the side who helped win them the silverware.
On paper, his statement does have weight behind it. Aaron Rodgers won two consecutive NFL MVPs in 2020 and 2021 when MVS was part of the Green Bay Packers. Then the following year he switched to the Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes won two Super Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP.
It's no secret that both Rodgers and Mahomes won various accolades when Valdes-Scantling was one of their main wideout targets. However, the underlying numbers reveal a different picture.
For example, in 2020, MVS had 33 receptions, 690 yards, and 6 touchdowns, which were 4th, 2nd, and 3rd best in the Packers team, which dropped to 26 receptions, 430 yards, and 3 touchdowns the following year.
In his first year with Patrick Mahomes, Valdes-Scantling slightly improved, recording 687 yards from 42 receptions and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers significantly dropped in 2023, with 21 receptions for 315 yards and only 1 touchdown in the entire regular season. According to Pro Football Network, MVS dropped 8 passes from Mahomes.
Despite the dwindling numbers, let's not take away credit where it's due. During the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Valdes-Scantling racked up 6 catches for 116 yards and one touchdown, helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl.
MVS left the Chiefs in March and signed with the Buffalo Bills. He has the chance to prove himself as a No. 1 wide receiver, taking over from Stefon Diggs, who left for Houston.
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