To prevent more runs like the one Patrick Mahomes had on Sunday, the NFL may need to consider changing some of its regulations.
Unknown for his quickness, Mahomes ran Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium for a 33-yard sprint down the left sideline. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 28–18 on Sunday afternoon to raise their record to 6-0. Mahomes, who has a 40-yard sprint time of 4.8, eluded many 49ers defenders before making a significant run into the red zone. However, did Mahomes take advantage of the NFL’s regulations while on the sidelines?
Some fans of the NFL contend that he did.
"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
Mahomes ran for over thirty yards along the sideline while dodging several 49ers defenders, including All-Pro Fred Warner. However, did Mahomes fool the defense by appearing to move out of bounds?
NFL defenders, particularly those covering quarterbacks, must exercise caution when tackling opponents off the sideline. NFL officials will call a 15-yard late hit penalty without hesitation.
Sometimes, Mahomes, a cunning scrambler, takes advantage of this by appearing to go out of bounds, only to slow down, evade a defender, and continue sprinting.
“How did he do that?!” FOX announced.
However, NFL fans are aware of how he accomplished it and think he took advantage of the league’s severe penalties for hits to quarterbacks.
Barstool Sports has proposed changing the rules to include a grace zone on the white area on the sideline.
“Defenses have to start lighting this dude up when he’s along the sidelines,” one fan wrote.
“He did that because defenders are afraid of hitting the QB near the sideline in any capacity, that’s how,” one fan added.
“It’s called not wanting to hit the QB and get a penalty,” one fan added.
“No one wants to touch Mahomes because the refs will instantly throw a flag…” one fan added.
Mahomes and other quarterbacks will continue to take advantage of the notion that you can’t hit quarterbacks until something changes.