It appears the pressure of going for a three-peat is getting to Patrick Mahomes.
In a stunning turn of events during Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has thrown back-to-back critical interceptions that has the Philadelphia Eagles in the driver’s seat heading into halftime.
The first interception occurred in the second quarter, a miscommunication with tight end Travis Kelce leading to an errant pass that was picked off by cornerback Cooper DeJean and returned all the way back for a touchdown.
Looking to rebound, Mahomes then proceeded to make another questionable decision as he got picked off by linebacker Zack Baun at the Chiefs’ own 14-yard line.
On the second play off the interception, Eagles quarterback would get the ball to A.J. Brown to increase Philadelphia’s lead to 24-0.
This has been an unprecedented situation for the Chiefs and Mahomes, as they only had 23 yards of offence in the first half. It is the fewest by Kansas City in any first half with Mahomes as a starter.
One factor that has also impacted Mahomes is the Eagles pass rush, which has recorded three sacks in the first half.
For Mahomes, this is the first time he has thrown multiple interceptions in the first half of a playoff game for the first time in his career. This is not the first time the 29-year-old has thrown multiple interceptions in a playoff game, as he’s done it four times in his career, including three Super Bowl appearances.
Coming into the game, Mahomes was aiming for his fourth Super Bowl title and looking to help the Chiefs become the first team to win three championships in a row.
Now, the Chiefs will need their franchise quarterback to lead them out of an unexpected and challenging position coming out of the second half.
