Rare Patrick Mahomes interception proves costly, leads to late 49ers TD

Patrick Mahomes made a pair of rare mistake late in Sunday’s Super Bowl before rallying his Chiefs to a 31-20 victory.

With the San Francisco 49ers leading 13-10 late in the third quarter, Mahomes looked deep over the middle to Tyreek Hill on a third-and-12 pass. Instead, he found 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who intercepted the ball to set San Francisco’s offense up at its own 45-yard-line.

1st postseason pick

The interception was the first for Mahomes in 164 postseason pass attempts. And it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Patrick Mahomes' first playoff interception arrived at a terrible time. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Mahomes' first playoff interception arrived at a terrible time. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

The 49ers made the most of the turnover, churning out a six-play scoring drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown run by running back Raheem Mostert, giving San Francisco a 20-10 lead with 2:35 remaining in the third quarter.

Things went from bad to worse for Mahomes on the next Kansas City possession. The Chiefs looked ready to respond, driving 52 yards over 11 plays to the 49ers 23-yard line.

Another interception on next drive

Once again, Mahomes looked to Hill on the next play. Once again, he found a 49ers defender instead. Mahomes’ pass arrived behind Hill, bouncing off his hands into the arms of San Francisco safety Tarvarius Moore.

For the second time in as many possessions, Mahomes threw an interception. After going four playoff games without a turnover, a pair against the 49ers put the Chiefs in a big Super Bowl hole.

But as he’s done so many times before, Mahomes remained poised and led his Chiefs to a come-from-behind victory, this time en route to winning Super Bowl MVP.

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