Mahomes Accepts Blame for Kelce Drop as Chiefs Fall 20-17 to Eagles, Start 0-2

Patrick Mahomes acknowledged responsibility Monday for a fourth-quarter throw that was dropped by tight end Travis Kelce and returned for an interception, a turning point in the Kansas City Chiefs' 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium that leaves the defending NFC champions 0-2 for the first time in the Mahomes era.

The play occurred early in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl rematch when Mahomes said he released the ball "a tad too early" and placed it too far in front of Kelce. Mahomes said he should have put the pass "more on his body" so the 35-year-old tight end could have absorbed contact and completed the catch.

"I just threw it a tad too early," Mahomes said after the game. "Just trying to put it on his body low before that hole player got there. I think if I can put it more on his body, and not so far out in front of him, then he can catch it, take the hit, and get in the end zone." He added: "You wanna put it low, just more on his body. Whenever you're in those tight quarters like that you wanna give it to them, especially a bigger guy, more on his body where he can catch it [and] brace for that contact. We knew the hole player would be looking for him. He was breaking to kind of make a hit and it was just unfortunate the ball bounced up in the air and went right to him."

Mahomes completed 16 of 29 passes for 189 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed seven times for 66 yards and a rushing touchdown. Kelce finished as the Chiefs' leading receiver with four catches for 61 yards.

The interception proved decisive as Kansas City was unable to overcome Philadelphia on its home field. The loss marks the Chiefs' first 0-2 start with Mahomes as the starter and, according to the team, is part of a three-game losing stretch for Mahomes with Kansas City that includes the Super Bowl defeat to the Eagles last season.

Kelce was visibly frustrated during the game. Cameras captured him berating teammates in the second quarter after an apparent breakdown on protection that forced Mahomes to scramble. At one point Kelce threw his helmet to the turf and shouted, "I'm sick of this s***!" The tight end's fiancée, entertainer Taylor Swift, was also seen entering Arrowhead incognito to watch the game.

The game was a rematch of last season's Super Bowl, a matchup officials and coaches had anticipated would carry added emotion. Kansas City was unable to avenge that loss, and the Chiefs will look to regroup as the season continues.

Coaches from both teams declined to characterize the Kelce play beyond confirming the interception was a pivotal moment. Mahomes' postgame remarks placed responsibility on his throw, and the team will review the sequence as part of its preparations moving forward.