During last Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Mahomes stunned viewers with a 33-yard run that left several defenders grasping at air. The play initially seemed like another brilliant move from the three-time Super Bowl MVP, showcasing his ability to make defenses look foolish with his elusiveness and athleticism.
However, after multiple angles of the play were reviewed, some NFL fans took to social media, accusing Mahomes of exploiting the league’s rules that protect quarterbacks. They argued that Mahomes used the sideline to his advantage, subtly hinting that he was going to step out of bounds, which discouraged defenders from making a tackle and risking a 15-yard penalty for a late hit. Critics suggested that if this was Mahomes’ intention, it could set a troubling precedent for quarterback runs, as players might start using the rules to manipulate defenders into hesitating.
Addressing the allegations in a press conference this week, Mahomes was quick to dismiss any suggestion that he was attempting to exploit a loophole in the NFL’s rules. He emphasized that he had no intention of deceiving defenders into thinking he was stepping out of bounds to avoid contact.
“I didn’t feel like I was faking going out of bounds on that play,” Mahomes explained. “I never want to put a defender in a bad position. We’re all out there competing, and when I go out of bounds, I’m going to actually go out of bounds. I’m not trying to trick anyone into a penalty. On that play, I was just looking to get the first down, and when I cut back, I realized I had an open lane, so I kept running down the sideline and then ran out of bounds for real.”
RELATED: Colin Cowherd Claims Patrick Mahomes Is No Longer the NFL’s Top Player
Mahomes went on to reiterate his respect for the game and the rules: “I’m not out there trying to use loopholes or find ways to cheat. I’m focused on making the right plays and keeping the competition fair. If I’m going for a first down, that’s my goal. If I’m going out of bounds, I’m going out of bounds. There’s no in-between.”
This clear and direct response from Mahomes came after a performance in which he threw for 154 yards, rushed for 39 yards, and scored a touchdown, though he also threw two interceptions.
While the accusations were quickly shut down by Mahomes, the buzz around his ability to consistently outsmart defenses remains strong.
Looking ahead, Mahomes and the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. Fans are eager to see if he will have a new weapon in his arsenal, as the Chiefs recently acquired star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.
With the addition of Hopkins, the Chiefs’ offense could become even more dangerous, giving Mahomes yet another target to exploit opposing defenses—this time by the book.
