Are we sure Patrick Mahomes was truly the MVP of Super Bowl 54?

Did the NFL just defer to a QB, like they always do?

The Super Bowl MVP always seems to be a quarterback. The NFL defers to their signal-callers in moments of uncertainty for the award. A defender only wins the honor, if he really deserved it. And if a running back or receiver goes off, he might win it, too.

Even though Patrick Mahomes had two interceptions in the Super Bowl, he won the MVP, largely because of his fourth quarter performance and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). Considering how dominant Mahomes was in that fourth quarter, he made himself a very strong candidate for the award. Still, he may not have been the best player in the game. Here are a few others that deserved stronger consideration.

Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs

The defensive tackle had just one tackle and no sacks. But he finished with three pass deflections, and he was in on Jimmy Garoppolo when the quarterback threw his first interception in the first quarter. Jones plays a position that doesn’t get much love — he eats space in the middle of Kansas City’s defense. But his three pass breakups were a game-high. He has long been one of the league’s best interior defenders. He played like it on Sunday.

His deflection on second-and-5 may have saved the game for the Chiefs. George Kittle was wide open in the middle of the field with Terrell Suggs in coverage — it should have been a big play. Jones made sure it wasn’t.

Damien Williams, RB, Chiefs

He was a game-changer and a steady offensive presence for the entire game. The 49ers were so intent upon stopping Patrick Mahomes that they gave up easy yards for Williams, whose 38-yard touchdown run proved to be a back-breaker.

Williams rushed for 6.1 yards per carry in the Super Bowl after running at 3.2 yards per carry in the previous two playoff games. Considering how excellent the 49ers had been against the run, Williams seemed likely to again be a non-factor. Yet he stepped way up, with help from the offensive line and fullback Anthony Sherman. Apparently on the touchdown run, Sherman told Williams in the huddle: “Follow me, I don’t care what you do, follow me.” That’s exactly what Williams did.

But then there were Williams’ contributions in the passing game, with four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown, the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. Without a doubt, Mahomes facilitated the Chiefs’ win. He couldn’t have done it without Williams’ production. An argument could be made that Williams, because of his steady play, was more deserving of the award.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

Since we’re weighing hypotheticals, let’s dive into the top performers for San Francisco. Had they won the game, Samuel would have been an easy option for the NFL. Samuel finished the game with three carries for 53 yards and five catches for 39 yards. When they got the ball in Samuel’s hands, he was an explosive playmaker. And even when the 49ers offense couldn’t run the ball well at the very start of the game, Samuel managed to generate first downs on the ground.

The one problem? His last touch came with roughly five minutes left in the third quarter. That was just about when the Chiefs mounted their comeback. San Francisco needed someone to step up — that’s when Samuel went missing.

DeForest Buckner, DE, 49ers

He was one of the biggest reasons why Mahomes couldn’t get going until the fourth quarter. He had six tackles, 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. Mahomes was having issues when San Francisco got pressure with just four rushers, and Buckner may have been the toughest 49ers lineman to block on Sunday night. Perhaps he didn’t get credit because he didn’t make a truly game-changing play. Still, his body of work was impressive.

Kyle Juszczyk, FB, 49ers

The fullback has long been an impressive contributor for the run-heavy 49ers. His abilities as a lead blocker and pass protector are paramount in San Francisco’s game plan, but Juszczyk showed why the 49ers gave him such a big contract. He had more receiving yards than George Kittle. Juszczyk had three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown — and he nearly scored another when he brought the ball to the 1-yard line for a Raheem Mostert touchdown. Juszczyk didn’t carry the ball, but he led the way for a 49ers offense that averaged 6.4 yards per carry.