Patrick Mahomes's Subtle Move During Big Run vs. 49ers Ripped by Fans

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs went into San Francisco on Sunday and got a huge, 28-18, win over the 49ers in a rematch of last season's Super Bowl. The defending champs are now the only undefeated team left in the NFL heading into Week 8, where they will face the Raiders in Las Vegas.

What made Sunday's victory so impressive was that Mahomes didn't throw a touchdown pass (he had two interceptions) and Travis Kelce only had 17 yards receiving.

One of Mahomes's biggest plays of the game angered fans on social media. On a second-and-seven play late in the third quarter Mahomes scrambled down the sideline for a huge 33-yard gain.

"How did he do that?!"

Appropriate reaction after this Mahomes 33-yard run 😱

📺: #KCvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/IVfqAtV5Qh
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Many fans, however, quickly pointed out that Mahomes acted like he might step out of bounds, which forced the defenders to slow up so they wouldn't hit him and possibly get penalized, before taking off for some more yards.

I'm not exaggerating here: I think this kind of rope a dope is garbage, especially when you whine the second you get nicked a half step out of bounds. QBs, when they scramble, should be treated as running backs. Period. https://t.co/hQhUWSJoqb
— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) October 20, 2024

Am I the only one who thinks that if Mahomes is going to be doing this, then the refs need to make sure not to call any ticky-tack roughing-the-passer penalty near the sideline. Seems unfair for him to enjoy massive protection from the refs and then be able to do that. Or am I… https://t.co/yrNOAtoG2z
— Alain Poupart (@PoupartNFL) October 21, 2024

I hate that announcers say "how did he do that?" Because if anyone hits him near the sideline they get fined and penalized! https://t.co/Nzz2QWIq6A
— #BruddahTim🐺 (@timbo_laya61) October 21, 2024

If I’m a defensive coach, I’m telling my guys to knock QB’s heads off that do this. I’ll take the 15. This is stupid. https://t.co/BqgoSGHjVk
— Rob Gilkes (@robsgilkes) October 20, 2024

This is not good for the NFL. It's not impressive to abuse the rules that protect you https://t.co/bXu65VyzSP
— Canadian Titan - The Last Will Levis Defender (@Canadian_Titan) October 20, 2024

It's not awesome, defenders pull up so they don't get penalized and fined and the QBs know that https://t.co/SEg16DcZOc
— T (@BucWild007) October 20, 2024

Mahomes ran in to the end zone for a short touchdown a few plays later and the Chiefs were able to hold off the 49ers the rest of the way.