This astonishing chart shows why Patrick Mahomes had an impossible job against the Buccaneers

This is wild.

Patrick Mahomes was constantly on the run from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during Super Bowl LV.

And we do mean constantly.

As a result, the Chiefs’ historically efficient offense looked completely inept.

Because the Chiefs were without starting tackles Eric Fisher (Achilles) Mitchell Schwartz (back), Mahomes never had much time. He was pressured on 29 of 59 dropbacks. The Bucs’ 29 pressures are a Super Bowl record, even though they logged a modest sack total (3).

Tampa’s fantastic protection of Brady served as a stark contrast. He was pressured on just four of his 30 dropbacks, the best protection he’s gotten in a Super Bowl.

The result? Brady stayed in the pocket and had an efficient game: 21-for-29, 201 yards, three touchdowns, 125.8 QBR. Mahomes was far more erratic while eluding pressure: 26-for-49, 270 yards, two interceptions, 52.3 QBR (a career-worst).

Here’s a look at where Mahomes and Brady traveled on the field after getting the snap in shotgun. On top, you can see that Mahomes was traveling from sideline to sideline. Brady barely had to move.

It’s probably no coincidence that Mahomes’ two best throws were incompletions, both of which were a product of drops by the intended target. Mahomes’ most brilliant throw came when he was literally diving forward after getting hit — but the sidearmed pass bounced off Darrel Williams’ facemask in the end zone. The second-best throw from Mahomes was a mind-bending deep pass for Tyreek Hill, who also dropped the pass near the end zone.

Every play seemed like a remarkable demonstration of Mahomes’ mobility and creativity. Every play seemed like Mahomes running for his life.

It’s a mystery why the Chiefs didn’t do more to help Mahomes. They may not have been stocked with the talent they needed, particularly after injuries depleted their tackle group. But Kansas City didn’t give those tackles much help, with five-man protections on 92% of dropbacks. You’d think they might have wanted to get tight ends and running backs — and even a sixth offensive lineman — more involved in protection.

To make matters worse, Mahomes was running on a foot injury which will require surgery this offseason. It was an absolutely herculean effort from Mahomes, even if his supporting cast let him down.