Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been criticized relentlessly for his statistical regression in recent years.

After throwing for at least 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns in four of his first five years as a starter, Mahomes has been well under both of those benchmarks in each of the last two seasons.

While he isn’t tying himself to any quantifiable goals, he is speaking like he plans on returning to his statistically dominant form that we’re all familiar with. ESPN’s Nate Taylor detailed how the three-time champion is approaching this summer and obtained a quote of Mahomes hinting at a return of Kansas City’s notorious downfield attack.

“We definitely want to push the ball down the field and push the ball into tighter windows this year,” said Mahomes.

This appeared to be the plan last season, but it had to be altered quickly when wide receiver Marquise Brown went down in the team’s first preseason game. The reliable deep threat was expected to play a key role in stretching the field for the Chiefs, but missed the entire season and forced Kansas City to pivot to a different style of play.

Now, with a full and healthy supporting cast apart from Rashee Rice, who is awaiting a suspension from the NFL, Mahomes is ready to air the ball out again. According to Taylor, head coach Andy Reid has given his quarterback one consistent message between reps this summer, which is to “Push the ball downfield.”

Reid has shown a lot of restraint by dialing back the offense the last couple years, after being universally recognized as one of the most aggressive coaches in football.

With all the pressure Mahomes is under to deliver after an embarrassing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, Reid is ready to open up the offense again.

Mahomes successfully evolved as a passer in recent years by taking what the defense gives him, but he is ready to balance those smarts with his generational arm talent. This was displayed in a training camp practice when he attempted a dangerous pass that he may have looked off last season.

“Although Mahomes noticed safety Bryan Cook was deep in coverage in the middle of the field, he still threw the ball 30 yards downfield for Worthy. The play ended with Worthy outjumping Cook and Watson for the touchdown.”

Mahomes is far too experienced to completely throw caution to the wind, but with the confidence he’s shown in camp, he looks primed to have one of his best seasons yet.