The Chiefs are still undefeated despite Mahomes not playing his best

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes' stats in Sunday's game and through an unusual first six games looked like those of a veteran quarterback rather than those of a two-time MVP.

Mahomes has eight picks and six TDs with two interceptions and no touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers this season. But the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated at 6-0 after beating the 49ers 28-18, and Mahomes said that's a testament to the team built around him.

“I just don’t think what you saw from us is normal because there aren’t a lot of touchdowns,” Mahomes said. “There were a lot of turnovers, especially for me.” I think it just shows the versatility of our team.

“It's not just about me. It's not just about the stats and the light show and stuff like that. It's about playing team football and I believe if we keep working we will get better offensively and throwing the ball down the field.”'

The Chiefs defeated the 49ers with a defense that intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy three times, a punt return unit that sent receiver Mecole Hardman 55 yards to set up a touchdown and a running game that allowed 184 yards.

Mahomes threw for 154 yards, was sacked twice and threw the two interceptions. He said he felt these interceptions were different than many earlier in the season because he made good decisions but was unlucky. One of the interceptions was deflected by a defender. The other came when rookie receiver Xavier Worthy tripped and fell on a route.

“I still have to clean up,” he said. “There are too many interceptions that are putting our defense in trouble. “In order for us to even take another step, I have to take care of the football, score those touchdowns in the red zone like we did today, and then ours Letting the defense eat properly.”

The game included some pushing, shoving and physical play. Mahomes was hit in the throat by defensive lineman Maliek Collins on a play, although he said he didn't believe it was intentional. He later lowered his shoulder into safety Malik Mustapha and knocked him to the ground while scoring a touchdown, although he said he didn't intend to do that either.

He said it was more because his “father” was doing the work.

“It wasn’t like I was necessarily trying to reach out,” he said. “I tried to absorb it and get into the end zone and it just looked good for me in the end.”