Patriots rookie Marte Mapu not satisfied after first career interception

FOXBORO — It was a bad day overall for the Patriots as they fell 27-17 to the Chiefs, but rookie safety Marte Mapu came away with a milestone moment in his young career.

Mapu, a 2023 third-round selection, picked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his first career interception. For the Sacramento State product, however, it wasn’t good enough.

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“It felt good,” Mapu said after the game. “Just felt like I could have scored.”

Mapu jumped in front of tight end Blake Bell on a passing attempt from Mahomes and returned the interception 20 yards to the Chiefs’ 8-yard line.

“I just seen him going through his progression,” Mapu said of Mahomes. “And then the play went a little bit longer than I guess their timing’s used to. So then he went to his check down, and I just took the ball. I tried to use my blockers, but I ain’t get in the end zone.”

The Patriots’ offense also couldn’t get into the end zone after a touchdown pass from quarterback Bailey Zappe to tight end Hunter Henry was nullified by a holding penalty on left tackle Conor McDermott. The Patriots had to settle for a field goal off of the interception.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai also intercepted Mahomes on Sunday. A third takeaway, a fumble recovery by safety Jabrill Peppers, was nullified by a holding penalty on rookie cornerback Alex Austin.

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