During the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Mahomes was accused of exploiting a loophole. The controversy stemmed from a 33-yard scramble in which Mahomes appeared to slow down near the sideline, making it look like he was going out of bounds. This caused 49ers linebacker Dee Winters to hesitate and allow Mahomes to continue his run.
Patrick Mahomes Accused of Using Loophole on Long Run
While much has been said against him, Mahomes’ statement on the accusation shed light on his intent. According to senior NFL reporter James Palmer, Mahomes remained adamant that no foul play was involved.
“I’m not going to try to fake a guy out by using a loophole in the rules,” he said. “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.”
Mahomes continued to explain his intentions, saying, “I know that we are all competing. When I go out of bounds, I’m going to go out of bounds. I’m not trying to use a loophole or anything in the rules to try to cheat in any way.”
Patrick Mahomes full answer when asked about his sideline run last Sunday. Apparently, it was scrutinized by some that Mahomes took advantage of the current NFL rules: "I’m not going to try to fake a guy out by using a loophole in the rules."
“I didn’t believe on that play right…
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV)
According to Mahomes, he was just trying to gain yardage for a first down and never intended to deceive the defender. He clarified that once he saw a lane to continue his run, he took it before safely stepping out of bounds.
While it appeared that the reigning Super Bowl champion could have opted for an easy exit door, his response highlights how much he respects the game and his opponents, thus making the accusations weak.
Mahomes Has More Interceptions Than Touchdowns This Season
Mahomes is having an unusual season, with more interceptions than touchdowns through Week 7. The Chiefs may be undefeated at 6-0, but Mahomes’ stats don’t quite match the team’s record.
Patrick Mahomes' 8 interceptions:
1- Bad throw
2- Bad
3- Incredible play ( low % throw)
4- Bad
5- Bad
6- Bounced off a WR hands
7- tipped at LOS
8- WR fell down after ball thrown
Does he need to be better? Yes. Is it all on him? No. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/fX0B7GKVex— Price Carter (@priceacarter)
Despite completing 67% of his passes, Mahomes has thrown just six touchdowns against eight interceptions — marking one of the most difficult stretches of his career. His passer rating, 82.5, is far below his career average of 102.5, and he’s had more games under 150 yards passing than over 300.
However, Mahomes isn’t struggling because he’s lost his touch. It’s more about adjusting to new circumstances with an offense that hasn’t yet hit its stride.
Even in this tough stretch, Mahomes continues to have flashes of brilliance, using his legs to keep plays alive and help the team win tight games. Now, with new weapons like DeAndre Hopkins on Kansas City’s roster, we could see Mahomes’ stats improve as the year goes on.
