​Questions have lingered about quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ readiness for the start of the new NFL season. Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15 of last season, compounding a miserable season for the Kansas City Chiefs, during which the three-time Super Bowl MVP missed out on the playoffs for the first time in his NFL career.In his latest article ranking the league’s best quarterbacks voted for by scouts, coaches, and executives, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler listed Mahomes behind Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. An NFL coordinator and defensive coach were critical of Mahomes’ performances even before his injury.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I think the hits were taking the toll even before the injury,” an NFL coordinator said. “He’s (Patrick Mahomes) not the biggest guy. He’s such a stud, but the violent hits he’s taken, the big-time shots, are a thing.”“Mahomes struggled even before the injury last year — held the ball too long and forced throws when it wasn’t necessary,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “Still has a tendency to chase the big play instead of keeping the offense on schedule.” But even that coach added, “If they don’t have him, they win three games, tops [last year].”BUILD YOUR OWN TOP 100: PFN’s FREE NFL Top 100 BuilderLast season, Mahomes earned a PFN QB Impact score of 79.0, ranking him at No. 11 in the NFL. He tallied 3,587 passing yards on 62.7% completion, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while adding 422 rushing yards and 5 scores.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring an appearance on the “First Take” show last week, former Super Bowl champion Jason McCourty raised concerns about the Chiefs missing the playoffs once again if Mahomes isn’t immediately healthy.BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator“I’m concerned of the fact that if Mahomes isn’t fully healthy in Week 1, and he’s not ready to go, how much trust do we have in Justin Fields to be able to lead the way and do what they need to get done on the offensive side of the ball?” McCourty said. “We expect Mahomes to uplift the offense around him, they didn’t go out and get more weapons on the offensive side of the ball.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Rashee Rice has had an eventful offseason; you have Xavier Worthy coming back. Tyquan Thornton is the third wide receiver. Behind those guys, there’s not a lot left to be desired. Travis Kelce is a year older… but they did not get him a running mate at all either. The offensive tackle position, we’ve talked about it for years now, of Mahomes running for his life… They’re also aging on the defensive side of the ball.”Since being selected No. 10 overall by the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft, Mahomes has been to the playoffs in every season. Before missing the playoffs last season, the Chiefs had been to the postseason in 10 straight seasons, won nine straight AFC West division titles, and made appeara