Tom Brady recently shared his thoughts on the controversial penalties that affected Patrick Mahomes during the Kansas City Chiefs’ divisional round win against the Houston Texans. He believes that quarterbacks should lose some of their protection when they are running the ball, emphasizing that they need to take responsibility for their safety outside the pocket.
In a segment on “The Herd,” Brady expressed his concerns about the way the game is evolving, suggesting that quarterbacks must be more aware of their surroundings. He pointed out that when Mahomes was pushed by linebacker To’oTo’o while running along the sideline, Mahomes seemed to exaggerate the impact, likely hoping for a penalty that never came.
Brady defended defensive players, advocating for their right to tackle aggressively when a quarterback is on the move. He stated, “Offensive players need to protect themselves. If they’re running full speed and a defender is approaching, the only way to force a turnover is with strength.” This perspective highlights the balance that needs to be struck between player safety and the integrity of the game.
Earlier in the season, Brady had similar sentiments regarding Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who suffered an illegal hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. He suggested that quarterbacks should be penalized if they slide late, indicating that they should not always be afforded leniency in such situations.
While Brady did not directly criticize Mahomes, his comments reflect a broader call for offensive players to accept the risks that come with running the ball. He stated, “If you don’t want to get hit, you can go down or run out of bounds. But you can’t expect defenders to hold back just because they fear a penalty.” This perspective raises questions about how the rules might be adjusted to maintain the game’s competitive nature.
Mahomes acknowledged his role in the situation, admitting that he may have overreacted during the sideline incident. He told 96.5 The Fan, “I realized right away that I probably shouldn’t have done that.” This admission shows a level of self-awareness and accountability that resonates with fans and players alike.
