Patrick Mahomes accused of cheating and exploiting NFL’s soft rules

Mahomes’ 33-yard run sparks debate

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is under scrutiny.LAPRESSE

When it comes to NFL quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is a standout, not just for his incredible arm but also for his agility on the field. Last Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers was no exception, as Mahomes pulled off an impressive 33-yard run that had fans buzzing. However, it was how he approached the sidelines during that run that sparked some controversy.

During an interview with sportscaster Kay Adams, Hall of Fame defensive end Dwight Freeney didn’t hold back, suggesting that Mahomes was “taking advantage of soft rules” designed to protect quarterbacks. Meanwhile, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce weighed in on the New Heights podcast, noting that Mahomes “used his ‘quarterbackness’ to his advantage.”

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This has raised eyebrows across the league, especially given the NFL’s ongoing emphasis on player safety and the rules that allow quarterbacks to avoid big hits.

Interestingly, Travis Kelce, Mahomes’ teammate and brother of Jason, quickly jumped to his defense, stating, “He’s not trying to trick a guy going out of bounds.” It’s clear the Chiefs have Mahomes’ back, but what does Mahomes himself think about the criticism?

Are his moves pushing the boundaries of fair play?

Speaking to reporters, he made it clear that he wasn’t trying to exploit any loophole in the rules that protect quarterbacks. “I didn’t believe on that play right there I was really showing like I was going to go out of bounds,” Mahomes explained. “I don’t want to ever put a defender in a bad spot. I know that we are all competing.” He emphasized that he plays the game honestly: “When I go out of bounds, I’m going to go out of bounds. I’m not going to try to fake a guy out by using a loophole in the rules.”

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Reflecting on the run itself, Mahomes added, “At the time, I was going to cut back and get the first down, and then once I cut back, I realized I had a lane to run, so I went down the sideline.” This shows his intention wasn’t to fool anyone but rather to make a smart play in a high-pressure moment.

While Mahomes insists he wasn’t trying to game the system, the reality is that his unique style could lead to increased scrutiny from defenders. With the league already struggling with how to manage player safety, the tension between maintaining competitive play and adhering to these protective regulations remains a delicate balance.