Patrick Mahomes has established himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances. However, not every trip to the big game has ended in triumph. In both 2021 and 2025, Mahomes and the Chiefs suffered tough Super Bowl losses, facing different but equally challenging obstacles. This article breaks down both performances, analyzing the key moments and differences between Super Bowl LV (2021) and Super Bowl LIX (2025).
Super Bowl LV (2021): Chiefs vs. Buccaneers
On February 7, 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Mahomes entered the game as the reigning Super Bowl MVP, but the Chiefs struggled mightily, ultimately falling 31-9.
Key Takeaways:
- Mahomes’ Performance: He completed 26 of 49 passes for 270 yards, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. His passer rating was 52.3.
- Offensive Struggles: The Chiefs failed to score a single touchdown in the game, with their only points coming from field goals.
- Defensive Pressure: The Buccaneers’ defense, led by coordinator Todd Bowles, overwhelmed Mahomes, sacking him three times and forcing numerous hurried throws.
With a weakened offensive line and relentless defensive pressure, Mahomes was forced to scramble throughout the game, often throwing under duress. Despite his athleticism and playmaking ability, he couldn’t overcome Tampa Bay’s dominant defense.
Super Bowl LIX (2025): Chiefs vs. Eagles
Fast forward to February 9, 2025, and Mahomes once again found himself on the biggest stage, this time against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. However, the game quickly turned into one of the most difficult performances of his career, with the Chiefs falling 40-22.
Key Takeaways:
- First-Half Woes: The Chiefs were completely shut out in the first half, marking only the third time in Mahomes’ career that his team went scoreless through two quarters.
- Turnovers and Sacks: Mahomes threw two interceptions and was sacked three times, contributing to a historically low halftime passer rating of 10.7.
- Second-Half Resurgence: The Chiefs showed some life in the second half, highlighted by Mahomes’ 51-yard connection with Xavier Worthy, the longest play of the game.
Despite a late push, the deficit proved too steep to overcome. The Eagles’ defense replicated what Tampa Bay had done in 2021—applying relentless pressure, forcing mistakes, and controlling the pace of the game.
Comparing the Two Performances
Though four years apart, these two Super Bowl losses share several common themes. Both games saw Mahomes struggling against elite defenses that disrupted Kansas City’s offensive rhythm. In 2021, the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme left Mahomes scrambling for survival, while in 2025, the Eagles dominated the first half, effectively sealing the Chiefs’ fate before halftime.
Statistical Comparison:
| Super Bowl | Opponent | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Sacks | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LV (2021) | Buccaneers | 53.1% | 270 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 52.3 |
| LIX (2025) | Eagles | 55.0% | 290 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 68.5 |
While Mahomes managed to post slightly better numbers in 2025, his first-half struggles ultimately doomed the Chiefs. In both games, the lack of protection, turnovers, and inability to establish offensive rhythm proved costly.
The Bigger Picture
Mahomes’ legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks remains intact, but these Super Bowl losses highlight the reality of the sport—one player, no matter how talented, cannot single-handedly win a championship. Football remains a team game, where factors like offensive line protection, defensive schemes, and execution play a crucial role.
Despite the setbacks, Mahomes remains a dominant force in the league. His ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be key in future playoff runs.
Conclusion
While the 2021 and 2025 Super Bowl losses were disappointing, they serve as valuable learning experiences for both Mahomes and the Chiefs. Each game underscored the importance of a well-rounded team effort, especially in high-stakes matchups against top-tier defenses.
For Mahomes, the journey is far from over. With his talent, leadership, and resilience, the possibility of returning to the Super Bowl and adding more rings to his collection remains high.
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Premlata is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, she empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When she’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find her sharing her expertise on LinkedIn or connecting via email at [email protected].