Patriots' Marte Mapu sends powerful message after first career interception
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Marte Mapu stood out during training camp this past summer, but the rookie linebacker hasn't gotten many opportunities on the field. Yet on Sunday, he took advantage of the time in the Patriots' loss to the Chiefs. And I'm sure it was a day he won't forget in his career. In the […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Marte Mapu stood out during training camp this past summer, but the rookie linebacker hasn't gotten many opportunities on the field.
Yet on Sunday, he took advantage of the time in the Patriots' loss to the Chiefs. And I'm sure it was a day he won't forget in his career.
In the second quarter, Mapu recorded his first career interception, giving the offense the ball in the red zone.
Showcasing his physical play style, Mapu ripped the ball right out of the hands of tight end Blake Bell. He proceeded to knock Bell down, gaining a few yards on the play.
In the loss, this was a bright spot for the Patriots, but Mapu sent a clear message when asked about the interception.
"It felt good, but I thought I could do more with it," he told A to Z Sports. "Score. That's what we've been talking about on defense for a long time. So that was my intention. But I just didn't see the whole field."
"We ain't win the game. That's kind of more of where my head was at," Mapu added. "It felt good to get the pick. I mean, making a big play, that's kind of what I feel like I've been supposed to be doing."
Mapu's interception was one of two in Sunday's game, with Jahlani Tavai recording one as well. However, the defense still allowed the Chiefs to make some big plays and get points on the board.
So for Mapu, his one interception wasn't enough.
"The whole defense holds themselves to a high standard," Mapu said. "So just trying to get as much as I could out of that opportunity. I feel like there was just a little bit left."
