Patrick Mahomes, despite earning three Super Bowl victories, continues to face considerable criticism for his two losses in the championship games. Leading into the 2025 season, discussions about Mahomes’ performance in Super Bowl LIX remain prevalent, alongside reflections on his earlier defeat against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s career is defined by both his successes and setbacks on football’s biggest stage, with critics often emphasizing his shortcomings during these high-profile losses.

NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter, however, argues that while Mahomes’ Super Bowl statistics might be scrutinized persistently, the star quarterback remains a strong contender to keep the debate over the greatest of all time competitive. Carter recently shared his views on his Fully Loaded podcast, where he analyzed Mahomes’ challenges in context and offered a defense against the harsh judgment often directed at him.

Analyzing Mahomes’ Performances Versus Tom Brady’s Early Super Bowls

Carter acknowledged Tom Brady’s early accomplishments in securing an undefeated 3-0 Super Bowl record but pointed out that Brady’s situation had unique advantages. According to Carter, Brady’s victories were significantly aided by exceptional defenses and one of the NFL’s most renowned head coaches, Bill Belichick. This context suggests that Brady’s early success was not solely a product of his own play but also the strength of his supporting cast.

“Brady had really only participated in one of those Super Bowls.” —Cris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer

Carter emphasized the impact of Belichick’s coaching and the underrated defensive units on Brady’s winning streak, implying these elements were critical factors in those championship outcomes.

“The only difference between Mahomes and Brady now is just Belichick winning a couple more three-point games and Adam Vinatieri kicking field goals. Brady wasn’t on the field,”

—Cris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer

Mahomes’ Efforts Under Pressure Despite Turnovers

While acknowledging Mahomes’ costly mistakes, such as the pick six thrown to Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean in Super Bowl LIX, Carter remained firm that Mahomes did not fail at the highest level. Despite the significance of those errors, Carter argued that Mahomes did not “lay an egg” in the Super Bowl, indicating that the quarterback’s overall effort and performance deserved recognition beyond isolated miscues.

“…lay an egg in the Super Bowl.” —Cris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer

Interestingly, Mahomes has thrown a pick six in both of his Super Bowl losses, yet Carter’s defense focuses on the broader context rather than those individual plays.

Support Challenges Impacting Mahomes’ Chances

Carter highlighted that Mahomes was put in extremely difficult situations by his team during these high-stakes games, which hindered his ability to perform at his peak. According to Carter, the Chiefs’ lack of supporting talent in critical moments essentially set Mahomes up for failure, making it unfair to judge his Super Bowl performances purely by outcomes.

“Had him out there fighting and scrapping.” —Cris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer

“He had no chance… If my guys get whooped, it’s hard to impossible for me to play at my best.” —Cris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer

This perspective emphasizes that football is a collective effort, and even a superstar quarterback’s influence has limits when the team is overpowered by superior opponents.

Tom Brady’s Perspective as a Broadcast Commentator on Mahomes

Adding another dimension to the debate, Tom Brady, now a commentator with Fox Sports, has voiced awareness of the challenge in balancing honest analysis of Mahomes and sympathy for his circumstances. Brady recognizes that Mahomes faces difficulties not only from opponents like Jalen Hurts but also due to the limitations of his current team composition.

Brady’s role in the broadcast booth means his commentary will accompany many of Mahomes’ upcoming games, signaling an intriguing dynamic in NFL coverage. Fox Sports aims to leverage Brady’s insight and star power to elevate its viewing experience, a strategy likened to pairing Michael Jordan’s presence alongside LeBron James in a commentary setting.

This new arrangement may influence how public and media narratives about Mahomes evolve throughout the season.

Looking Ahead for Mahomes and the Chiefs

Despite ongoing criticisms, Cris Carter’s defense highlights Mahomes’ resilience and the complexities surrounding his Super Bowl performances. As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for future seasons, the quarterback’s ability to overcome challenges and the team’s efforts to strengthen their roster will be crucial in shaping his legacy. Meanwhile, with Brady providing analysis from the broadcast booth, fans and analysts alike will gain deeper perspectives on Mahomes’ journey and the ever-changing landscape of NFL greatness.