LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after throwing a touchdown late in the second half of the NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The Buccaneers don’t like when Patrick Mahomes gets Tom Brady calls.
Mahomes threw an interception that amounted to an arm punt, but the play was called in the Chiefs favor due to a Jason Pierre-Paul roughing the passer penalty. JPP got his hands in the face of Mahomes, which technically is a penalty. It’s tough to blame the officials for following the rulebook, but expect that very rule to be reviewed by the competition committee this offseason.
The Bucs have amounted a comeback of sorts, as they faced a substantial deficit in the first quarter. Yet, that’s how Tom Brady works. The Bucs are new to it, but those who’ve long watched NFL football understand it all too well. Patriots — and fans of rival teams — also know it’s illegal to hit Brady in any fashion. Considering his ascent into football God status, Mahomes will receive the same treatment from officials for the remainder of his career.
The Buccaneers benefit from the Brady rules
On the very next Tampa Bay drive, the Buccaneers received two roughing the passer penalties to their benefit in the same fashion. While we can argue whether they were true make-up calls or not, NFL officials are nothing but consistent in the course of a game. Sure, it’s soft, but it’s the rule.
Fans of hard-nose football are unhappy. Meanwhile, Brady and Mahomes go largely untouched. This is the game Roger Goodell wants, like it or not.