WATCH: Rookie LB Marte Mapu gets first NFL interception on Patrick Mahomes

Patriots rookie Marte Mapu arrives on the big stage by picking off Patrick Mahomes.

New England Patriots rookie linebacker/safety Marte Mapu had his coming-out party in Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, after intercepting quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter.

Mapu, a third-round draft pick out of Sacramento State, has been a hidden gem for the Patriots, mostly due to the team currently being stacked with defensive talent. He hasn’t had as many opportunities, especially in the defensive backfield with Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger eating up most of the snaps.

But he made the most of his opportunity on Sunday by coming away with his first interception against the best quarterback in the current era.

The Patriots will need more plays like that from Mapu to keep pace with the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Mahomes being under center is always a threat to blow up a scoreboard.

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