Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“You’re leaving Patrick Mahomes?” – Stephen A. Smith Blasts Dan Orlovsky for Omitting Chiefs QB in Top 10 NFL Rankings

Stephen A. Smith Unleashes on Dan Orlovsky for Snubbing Patrick Mahomes

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky ranked NFL quarterbacks based on various criteria ahead of the new season. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who is widely touted as the best in the league, was omitted from one of Orlovsky’s lists. This drew the ire of Stephen A. Smith, who lambasted the analyst.

Dan Orlovsky presented his top 10 list based on seven skills: arm strength, ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, pocket presence, rushing ability, and second-reaction creativity. He framed these lists based on current performance levels and high expectations heading into the 2025 season.

Across those categories, Patrick Mahomes graded highly in most but was left off the top 10 for mechanics. Orlovsky had Mahomes at No. 2 in arm strength, No. 5 in ball placement, No. 5 in decision-making, No. 3 in pocket presence, No. 5 in rushing ability, and No. 2 in second‑reaction creativity.

Got to meet his idol ❤️ (via isabelaysa/IG)@Chiefs | @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/TYE9diuDHN
— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2025

This omission drew the intense wrath of Stephen A. Smith, who lambasted Orlovsky for leaving out Kansas City’s star QB1. The former basketball player also humorously called for a drug test on his co-panelist during the heated discussion.

Mahomes Snub Sparks Intense Outrage

Stephen A. Smith said, “You’re leaving Patrick Mahomes? That’s like the equivalent of Steph Curry shooting jump shots. And you’re saying he’s not on the top 10 list because his mechanics don’t look ideal. Only Dan would do something like this.”

He added, “Your list means nothing because it doesn’t equate to winning. Why would this list even exist. You’re leaving off a man that has played in five of the last six Super bowls.”

Meanwhile, the mechanics list included more textbook technicians such as Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Matthew Stafford. Mahomes often throws on the move or from awkward angles, sometimes without setting his feet.

Dan Orlovsky categorizes those plays under arm strength and improvisation categories, not mechanics, which he defines as standard technique when the quarterback is not under any pressure.

Despite not making Orlovsky’s top‑10 list for quarterback mechanics, Patrick Mahomes featured in six of the seven overall categories. Only a handful of QBs appeared in four or more lists, and Mahomes was among them, while Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson made all seven.