FOXBORO — It was a bad day overall for the Patriots as they fell 27-17 to the Chiefs, but rookie safety Marte Mapu came away with a milestone moment in his young career.

Mapu, a 2023 third-round selection, picked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his first career interception. For the Sacramento State product, however, it wasn’t good enough.

“It felt good,” Mapu said after the game. “Just felt like I could have scored.”

Mapu jumped in front of tight end Blake Bell on a passing attempt from Mahomes and returned the interception 20 yards to the Chiefs’ 8-yard line.

“I just seen him going through his progression,” Mapu said of Mahomes. “And then the play went a little bit longer than I guess their timing’s used to. So then he went to his check down, and I just took the ball. I tried to use my blockers, but I ain’t get in the end zone.”

The Patriots’ offense also couldn’t get into the end zone after a touchdown pass from quarterback Bailey Zappe to tight end Hunter Henry was nullified by a holding penalty on left tackle Conor McDermott. The Patriots had to settle for a field goal off of the interception.

Linebacker Jahlani Tavai also intercepted Mahomes on Sunday. A third takeaway, a fumble recovery by safety Jabrill Peppers, was nullified by a holding penalty on rookie cornerback Alex Austin.