Patrick Mahomes' Struggles: How Interceptions and Sacks Undermined the Chiefs' Super Bowl Hopes

Patrick Mahomes faced unprecedented challenges in Super Bowl LIX, with six sacks and two interceptions derailing the Chiefs' quest for a historic third straight championship.

The Kansas City Chiefs entered Super Bowl LIX with high hopes, led by their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was the favorite to win MVP. However, the Philadelphia Eagles had other plans, delivering a dominant 40-22 victory that exposed Mahomes like never before.

Early Game Struggles

Mahomes' performance in the first half was uncharacteristically lackluster. He recorded just 17 passing yards in the first quarter, his lowest in any first quarter this season. By halftime, he had only 33 passing yards, the fewest he's ever had in a first half.

Critical Mistakes

Mahomes threw his first postseason pick-six, a 38-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Cooper DeJean, putting the Eagles ahead 17-0. He also became the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to take consecutive sacks before throwing a pick-six in a span of three plays.

Second Half Efforts

Despite some success in the second half, including three passing touchdowns, the game was already out of reach. Mahomes finished with 257 passing yards, but his two interceptions and a fumble were costly.

Defensive Pressure

The Eagles' defense was relentless, sacking Mahomes six times, the most in any game of his career. They also forced him into 42 dropbacks without being blitzed, the second most in Super Bowl history.

Historical Context

Mahomes' struggles placed him in some unwanted company. He became the second quarterback in Super Bowl history to throw interceptions on consecutive pass attempts and the second to take six sacks against four or fewer pass rushers.

This game marked a significant departure from Mahomes' usual brilliance, highlighting the challenges even the best can face under intense pressure.

What to Read Next

Taylor Swift's NFL Journey: From Spectator to Superfan on Kelce's 'New Heights' Podcast
NFL

Taylor Swift's NFL Journey: From Spectator to Superfan on Kelce's 'New Heights' Podcast

Taylor Swift shares her journey from spectator to NFL superfan on Travis Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast, revealing her love for the game and her new album.

Shedeur Sanders' NFL Journey: From College Debut to Pros with the Same Referee
NFL

Shedeur Sanders' NFL Journey: From College Debut to Pros with the Same Referee

Shedeur Sanders' NFL debut was marked by a heartfelt encounter with the same referee from his college debut, showcasing his journey from Jackson State to the Cleveland Browns.

Taylor Swift's NFL Debut: A Star-Studded 'New Heights' Episode with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid Insights
NFL

Taylor Swift's NFL Debut: A Star-Studded 'New Heights' Episode with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid Insights

Taylor Swift makes her podcast debut on 'New Heights,' with insights from Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid on her NFL journey and new album announcement.

The Unstoppable Rise of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: A Timeline of Their NFL-Pop Culture Power Couple Journey
NFL

The Unstoppable Rise of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: A Timeline of Their NFL-Pop Culture Power Couple Journey

Explore the whirlwind romance and cultural impact of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, from NFL games to global stages.

Michael Phelps Inspires Baltimore Ravens with Swimming Lessons and Life Wisdom
NFL

Michael Phelps Inspires Baltimore Ravens with Swimming Lessons and Life Wisdom

Olympic legend Michael Phelps joins the Baltimore Ravens at their training camp, offering swimming lessons and motivational insights to the team.

2025 NFL Fantasy Football QB Tiers: Ultimate Guide to Drafting the Best Quarterbacks
NFL

2025 NFL Fantasy Football QB Tiers: Ultimate Guide to Drafting the Best Quarterbacks

Discover Eric Moody's expert breakdown of 2025 NFL Fantasy Football QB tiers, helping you draft the best quarterbacks for your team.

Byron Murphy II: The Seattle Seahawks' Rising Star Poised for a Breakout Season
NFL

Byron Murphy II: The Seattle Seahawks' Rising Star Poised for a Breakout Season

Discover why the Seattle Seahawks believe Byron Murphy II is set for a significant leap in his second NFL season, with insights from coaches and teammates.

The Heartbeat of the Commanders: Terry McLaurin's Contract Standoff and What It Means for Washington
NFL

The Heartbeat of the Commanders: Terry McLaurin's Contract Standoff and What It Means for Washington

Explore the ongoing contract negotiations between Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders, and understand the key factors influencing this high-stakes NFL standoff.

Breece Hall Aims to Dominate: The Jets' Versatile Weapon Ready for a Breakout Season
NFL

Breece Hall Aims to Dominate: The Jets' Versatile Weapon Ready for a Breakout Season

Breece Hall is set to elevate his game in the 2025 NFL season, showcasing his versatility as a key player for the New York Jets under coach Aaron Glenn.

Cam Little's 70-Yard Field Goal: A Game-Changer for the Jacksonville Jaguars?
NFL

Cam Little's 70-Yard Field Goal: A Game-Changer for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Cam Little's incredible 70-yard field goal in a preseason game has the Jacksonville Jaguars considering new strategies for the 2025 season.

Green Bay Packers Face Rising Injury Concerns as Key Players Sidelined
NFL

Green Bay Packers Face Rising Injury Concerns as Key Players Sidelined

The Green Bay Packers are grappling with a surge in injuries during training camp, impacting key players including Jordan Love and multiple receivers, raising concerns for the upcoming NFL season.

NFL Preseason Drama: Tracking Key Contract Holdouts and Hold-Ins
NFL

NFL Preseason Drama: Tracking Key Contract Holdouts and Hold-Ins

Stay updated on the latest NFL preseason contract negotiations involving star players like Trey Hendrickson, Micah Parsons, Cameron Heyward, and Terry McLaurin.

Miami Dolphins' Preseason Drama: Tua's Rollercoaster and Team Tensions in Chicago
NFL

Miami Dolphins' Preseason Drama: Tua's Rollercoaster and Team Tensions in Chicago

The Miami Dolphins faced internal conflicts and Tua Tagovailoa's inconsistent performance during their preseason stay in Chicago, highlighting team dynamics and player challenges.

How Jerry Jones' Contract Negotiation Blunders Cost the Cowboys $100 Million
NFL

How Jerry Jones' Contract Negotiation Blunders Cost the Cowboys $100 Million

An in-depth analysis of how Jerry Jones' delayed contract negotiations with key players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb have cost the Dallas Cowboys over $100 million.

2025 NFL Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Key Picks and Strategies Revealed
NFL

2025 NFL Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Key Picks and Strategies Revealed

Discover the key picks and strategies from the 2025 NFL Fantasy Football Mock Draft hosted by ESPN Fantasy analysts. Get insights into player selections and draft trends.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.