Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes drew criticism from former NFL quarterback Tom Brady for not protecting himself during a hit near the sideline in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ recent loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. Brady discussed this incident on his “Let’s Go!” podcast, emphasizing the importance for quarterbacks to learn when to throw the ball away and read defenses to avoid unnecessary hits.
The conversation between Brady and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor revolved around NFL rule changes, with Brady highlighting how quarterbacks receive extensive protection, potentially creating situations where defenders face disadvantages when a QB is running. Taylor, however, reminded Brady that he had benefited from these rule changes himself.
The hit on Mahomes raised questions about a potential penalty. Head referee Brad Allen, speaking to PFWA pool reporter Calvin Watkins after the game, explained that the hit led to an unnecessary roughness penalty on Green Bay despite Mahomes being in-bounds when the contact occurred. Allen clarified that the covering official believed the defender’s late and unnecessary contact warranted the penalty.
Mahomes addressed the team’s situation after the Chiefs-Packers game, expressing that they’re not where they aspire to be but are close. With an 8-4 record, he acknowledged the need to improve, emphasizing the team’s focus on learning from their experiences and preparing for the upcoming challenges, including their Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs are set to play the Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, December 10, at 3:25 p.m. Central time. Heavy’s projections, powered by Quarter4, indicate that the Chiefs (+0.5) are underdogs for this game.
Devon Clements, covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Heavy.com, provides insights into the team’s situation and Mahomes’ reflections post the Packers game. Clements, a native of New England, brings his NFL coverage experience since 2017, with bylines in USA Today’s Sports Media Group and Sports Illustrated.