WATCH: Marte Mapu Finally Makes Play for New England Patriots, Intercepts Patrick Mahomes

Third-round draft pick Marte Mapu has had a disappointing rookie season, but he did intercept a Patrick Mahomes pass to help give the New England Patriots a second-quarter lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Better late than never, we've got a Marte Mapu sighting.

The New England Patriots drafted Mapu 76th overall last April, with the idea of the Sacramento State product being a hybrid safety/Nickel linebacker able to make plays sideline to sideline. In Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium, the risk was finally rewarded.

Marte Mapu sighting!

Making his first play of consequence in an otherwise disappointing rookie season, Mapu outfought All-World tight end Travis Kelce for a pass over middle for the first interception of his NFL career.

.@5Marte_'s first NFL INT 👏

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/6Zwi9Wlzxr

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 17, 2023

Mapu returned the pick 20 yard to Kansas City's 8-yard line, setting up a Chad Ryland field goal and a surprising 10-7 lead for the Patriots.

WATCH: Patriots Lead Kansas City Chiefs on Zappe TD Pass

New England could have a bigger lead, but penalties wiped out a Bailey Zappe completion to Demario Douglas to the Chiefs' 5 and a touchdown throw to Hunter Henry.

Mapu's pick of Mahomes was the quarterback's 12th of the season, just one shy of his career high.

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