Philadelphia’s defence was brilliant, especially up front as they sacked Mahomes six times, just one off the Super Bowl record, and had him under pressure from the first snap.
It was a similar story in Mahomes’ other Super Bowl loss, also a blowout against Tampa Bay, and maybe some demons from that game contributed as he had arguably the worst game of his career.
Mahomes passed for a career-worst 33 yards in the first half as he failed to get the Chiefs into Philadelphia’s half – and his total quarterback rating (QBR) of 11.4 was his second-worst in 133 career games.
Yes, he was under constant pressure, but his decision-making was off. He was too quick to take off and run, perhaps understandably given how his offensive line was being manhandled.
But his head was down, he missed some crucial throws – a possible Xavier Worthy touchdown and first-down conversion to Travis Kelce just two of them.
Cutting a rabbit in the headlights figure was strange for a three-time champion and one of the best ever at the position.
“I just didn’t play to my standard and I have to be better next time,” admitted Mahomes. How he responds now could define his legacy.
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