Patrick Mahomes makes feelings clear on taking advantage of QB protection rules amid criticism around Chiefs star
Chiefs' star Patrick Mahomes has responded to comments about quarterbacks taking advantage of protection rules after Azeez Al-Shaair was banned for three games for a late hit on Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars quarterback took off in the game against the Texans to get a first down and as he slid, he was hit by the Houston defender. The resulting concussion has thrown a spotlight on who was at fault for the gruesome incident.
Some prominent commentators, like GOAT quarterback Tom Brady, believe that offensive players should be penalized like their defensive counterparts when they slide late because the opponent is trying to stop a first down. Patrick Mahomes, who has been known to take off from the pocket, gave his verdict on the affair, saying,
"I'm just playing football at the end of the day. I don't feel like I've ever put anybody in jeopardy of not wanting to hit me. I know when you get in the open field guys want to hit you and I get down when I feel like it's necessary to get down, but there's times in big spots in the games where I know I need to get first downs and I go for it."
The Chiefs star vehemently denied he is trying to take advantage of the rules. He said that he is perfectly fine with players targeting him but said that he is trying to be smart by knowing when to go for it and when not to. Patrick Mahomes continued,
"It's not taking advantage of any rules and I think—more than anything—it's me being smart in the moment of knowing when not to and when to go for it. You've seen that from me in the playoffs and I feel like you see that from me in big spots in games because I know that sliding at that moment is not going to get us the win and I'm all about winning."
Patrick Mahomes question arises from previous 'fake plays' by Chiefs QB
This question was put to the Chiefs quarterback because there have been times when Patrick Mahomes has looked like he was about to slide or go out of bounds but picked up extra yards.
The reporter referenced a play from when the Chiefs played the 49ers earlier in the season and the quarterback completed a 33-yard run after defenders did not commit to a tackle because it looked like he had given himself up.
However, Patrick Mahomes does not think that he is doing anything wrong in the way he plays.