The never-ending debate over the greatest NFL quarterback of all time between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes has reignited once again, fueled by a recent statistic that adds a new twist to the conversation. Despite Mahomes’ remarkable career so far, a questionable call in Week 2 of the 2024 season has given Brady supporters more ammunition in the GOAT debate.
The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25, thanks to a game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker. However, the game took a controversial turn when Mahomes appeared to throw an interception late in the third quarter. As Mahomes targeted wide receiver Justin Watson, Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner intercepted the pass. But the play was nullified when officials flagged Cincinnati’s Daijahn Anthony for illegal contact, wiping out what could have been a crucial turnover.
Following the game, WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase highlighted a startling statistic: Mahomes has had 17 interceptions called back due to defensive penalties since 2018, the most of any quarterback in that time frame.
In contrast, Brady, over his legendary 22-year career, had only 16 interceptions called back due to defensive infractions. This stat immediately reignited the debate, with fans arguing that Brady’s more disciplined play and fewer fortunate breaks make him the undisputed GOAT.
RELATED: Greg Olsen Speaks Out on Tom Brady’s Fox Debut After Being ‘Demoted’ to No. 2 Broadcast Team
“Patrick Mahomes just threw his 17th INT that was called back due to a defensive penalty. Most in the NFL since 2018,” DiBiase wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a flood of reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Many fans saw this statistic as further proof of Brady’s superiority. One fan commented, “Mahomes is an elite QB and one of the greatest of all time. But he won’t ever beat Brady.” Another added, “Brady is the GOAT,” while a third fan echoed, “Brady is better than Mahomes.”
However, some analysts pointed out an important nuance: half of Mahomes’ nullified interceptions came on plays where the defense was offsides, giving Mahomes a free play due to his signature hard count. This strategy is part of Mahomes’ skill set, turning what would normally be risky throws into opportunities to exploit a defense that jumped the line early.
The comparison between Brady and Mahomes often focuses on championships, accolades, and stats. Brady’s résumé is unmatched with seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, three regular-season MVPs, and countless other accolades over his 22-year career.
Mahomes, at just 28 years old, already has two Super Bowl rings, two Super Bowl MVPs, and two regular-season MVPs. With Mahomes in his prime and already on a Hall of Fame trajectory, some argue he has the potential to eventually surpass Brady.
When comparing the two quarterbacks at the same point in their careers, the stats are remarkably close. By the age of 30, Brady had won three Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVPs, with 20 playoff touchdowns, nine interceptions, and 3,217 passing yards. Mahomes, just 28 years old, has already thrown for 5,135 playoff yards, 41 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Statistically, Mahomes has outpaced Brady in key areas, though it’s worth noting that the NFL has become a more quarterback-friendly league with evolving rules to protect passers.
Brady supporters also highlight the tougher defensive rules during Brady’s early career in the 2000s, arguing that quarterbacks faced more physical play from defenses and stricter officiating, making Brady’s achievements even more impressive.
Despite Mahomes’ early-season struggles in 2024, including a mediocre performance in the Chiefs’ season opener where he threw for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, he remains one of the league’s top quarterbacks. The interception controversy surrounding him in the Week 2 game against Cincinnati only adds to the conversation about referee favoritism and whether Mahomes benefits from more lenient officiating.
As the Chiefs prepare for their next matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 3, the Brady-Mahomes debate will continue to simmer. While Mahomes is undoubtedly on a path to become one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, fans are split on whether he’ll ever reach the heights of Brady’s historic career.
With both quarterbacks leaving their mark on the game, the GOAT debate shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
