Patrick Mahomes Under Fire After Viral Stat Reveals Unreal Luck on Interceptions

Patrick Mahomes threw a critical interception late in the third quarter in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but had it negated after safety Daijahn Anthony was flagged for illegal contact.

It was no isolated incident for Mahomes.

A stat shared Sunday by WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase shows that Mahomes has been the beneficiary of several very well-timed calls on the defense.

"Patrick Mahomes just threw his 17th INT that was called back due to defensive penalty. Most in the NFL since 2018," DiBiase shared in a post on X .

The stat drew the ire of many fans, with some accusing referees of giving preferential treatment to Mahomes.

"Every time he throws a INT I just wait for a flag. They always get the call," one fan wrote.

"the refs have always helped them," another fan added.

But many others defended Mahomes, saying the statistic is misleading because many of those interceptions came when Mahomes took a deep shot on a free play after an offsides penalty. The Chiefs quarterback has gained a reputation for taking advantage of these plays, often taking risks he might otherwise not take.

The interception called back on Sunday didn't end up making much of a difference. Mahomes threw another interception three plays later -- this time with no penalty to negate it.

Related: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Follows Interception with TD Pass vs. Bengals