When the game is on the line, NFL players are expected to perform. On Monday, Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling found himself in perfect position to make a go-ahead touchdown catch. Yet, that pass went through his hands, and the Chiefs lost their Super Bowl rematch against the Eagles.
Patrick Mahomes was understandably in disbelief on the field after his receiver’s critical mistake. But when it came time to discuss the play with reporters following the game, Mahomes was not going to pin the blame on Valdes-Scantling.
Instead, the Chiefs quarterback took responsibility himself for not giving Valdes-Scantling an easier pass to haul in.
"I have no regret … just didn't come away with the ball. I could probably throw a little shorter — he was that open."
– Patrick Mahomes on the deep shot to MVS pic.twitter.com/8sOB37XKTk
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 21, 2023
Mahomes said in the press conference:
“I have no regret. They triple-teamed Travis (Kelce). So, I went to the guy that won downfield, and Marquez won. Just didn’t come away with the ball. I mean, I could probably throw a little bit shorter. He was that open. You just gotta continue to try to get better and better.”
Obviously, Mahomes could have passed more blame over to Valdes-Scantling and still would have been totally justified for it. But it says a lot about Mahomes’ leadership that he took the blame himself for the pass.
Valdes-Scantling and his teammates likely took notice of that.