MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- For Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, chasing down Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a 30-yard sack late in the first quarter had to be the best game of tag of his life.
Yes, a 30-yard sack.
It was third-and-12 and the Dolphins showed blitz, but only brought four rushers. Emmanuel Ogbah got some initial pressure, forcing Mahomes to retreat back toward his end zone, and Baker chased him down.
.@Lastname_Baker's MOMMA GOING NUTS!
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 13, 2020
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Baker's 30-yard sack of Mahomes marks the second-most yards lost on a sack in the past 20 seasons, per ESPN Stats & Information. Ryan Tannehill, while playing for the Dolphins in 2015, lost 38 yards on a sack in a game against Washington after he fumbled and the ball rolled backwards. Mahomes is the first player to lose 30-plus yards on a sack without fumbling since Phil Simms on Nov. 18, 1979, vs. the Buccaneers.
The Chiefs ultimately were forced to punt on fourth-and-42. The Dolphins took advantage of good field position as Tua Tagovailoa led the offense on a touchdown drive for a 7-0 lead.
It was one of a few highlight plays in a dominant first quarter for the Dolphins' defense. Miami also intercepted Mahomes twice. Mahomes had only two interceptions on the year coming into the game, and Sunday marked only the second time in his career he has thrown multiple first-half interceptions.