Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes disputed claims by Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon that he deciphered a pre-snap signal leading to a game-changing interception in Sunday’s matchup.
Late in the fourth quarter, Nixon perfectly defended a rub route by Chiefs receivers Rashee Rice and Skyy Moore, culminating in a highlight-reel interception. He credited his success to studying Mahomes’ pre-snap habits, specifically a knee tap that he interpreted as a signal.
However, Mahomes refuted this claim during a media session on Wednesday. “First time I’ve checked that play in my history playing for KC,” he said with a chuckle. While acknowledging the Packers’ keen observation, he praised Nixon’s execution. “He definitely saw a signal,” Mahomes admitted, “He did a great job, made a great play, a game-changing play.”
Sunday’s 27-19 loss marked the Chiefs’ second in their last five games, leaving them at 8-4 and atop the AFC West. Mahomes acknowledged the costly play but remained optimistic. “They got me on that one,” he said, “made a big-time play and I’ll learn from it and try to be better the next time.”
With five games remaining in the season, the Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills on December 10th, seeking to return to their winning ways. Mahomes took the incident in stride, even joking about his newfound need for subtlety. “Just try to be more subtle, I guess,” he quipped. “Try to get us to the right spot where we can make a play happen.”