Patrick Mahomes' defense will be the greatest challenge of the Patriots to date, and they know it | Patriots of New England

FOXBORO, Mass. – New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick opened the week by inspiring Patrick Mahomes.

Since then, several members of Belichick's defense have followed suit. It's clear that the Patriots have immense respect for Mahomes, who will lead the undefeated Chiefs to Gillette Stadium for a much-anticipated game this Sunday night.

"There are probably not many players in the league who can mimic what Mahomes does," said Duron Harmon, Patriots' security. "He's a special talent, a very good quarterback, a very good football player. And we know that we will not see what we will see on Sunday during the test week. But our best bet is simply to watch so many movies to get acquainted with it that way and try to get the best rendering possible. "

Mahomes, who played on the bench behind Alex Smith as a rookie last season, has been one of the NFL's most electric players for five weeks. He led all QBs with 14 touchdown passes and spearheaded the league's most prolific offensive. The Chiefs are averaging the best points in the NFL with 35.0 points per game and have not scored less than 27.

"He's on fire, man," linebacker Dont'a Hightower said. "He is superb. He looks like he's been playing in the league for a few years. A dynamic player, made big games, big arm. In terms of slowing it down, we will have to do a good job doing different things for him in terms of reading. Also, as far as defensive, be more practical and disrupt these receivers. I just give him things he has never seen before.

Or, to use the words of defender Trey Flowers: "Try to make it as uncomfortable as possible."

Forcing the 24-year-old Mahomes out of his comfort zone will be important for the Patriots' defense, but this is easier said than done. The 2017 first-round pick excels at the race and the race. He has the luxury of playing alongside the most talented group of players in the league (Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt, Sammy Watkins, etc.).

"I would say that what makes him so different and if (well) is his mobility, but how well he throws the ball on the ground," Harmon said. "I think they said two weeks ago against Denver he had about 10-in-12 for 190 yards of gain, which is crazy. This allows you to know the type of athlete and quarterback you are dealing with. "

Hightower added, "Honestly, it's as accurate on the inside (the pocket) as it is on the outside. It's just more (about) that he's not so comfortable. "

The Patriots have already played in several mobile shifts this season (Deshaun Watson in Week 1, Blake Bortles in Week 2) and are using similar tactics to prepare for Mahomes. For example, during Tuesday's training, running back Kenneth Farrow was lined up at quarterback during a defensive line exercise and ran into the backfield, simulating the ability scrambling of Mahomes.

"We know what we need to do," said Harmon. "But it's always more difficult, especially when you're dealing with a guy like that."

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