Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid criticize officiating after loss to Bills
After a tough 20-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly with a late offensive offside call.
Reid described the call as “a bit embarrassing for the National Football League,” while Mahomes expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “Another game we’re talking about the refs. It’s not what we want for the NFL. It’s not what we want for football. Let us play the game. Then whatever happens happens.”
The game’s pivotal moment came when Mahomes nearly won the game on the final drive by throwing a 25-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce, who then lateraled the ball back to receiver Kadarius Toney for the score. However, officials said Toney was lined up in the neutral zone before the ball was hiked, leading to a penalty that nullified the touchdown.
Mahomes slammed his helmet on the ground and voiced his frustrations toward the field, characterizing the call as “f—— terrible” in video clips circulated on social media. He later said that Kelce’s play was “a legendary moment” ruined by the call that did not impact the result of the play.
Referee Carl Cheffers addressed the call after the game, stating that the line judge ruled that Toney’s “alignment was over the ball,” leading to the penalty.
The Bills, on the other hand, kept their playoff hopes alive as quarterback Josh Allen led a game-winning 12-play, 49-yard drive, culminating in a 39-yard field goal by Tyler Bass with 1:54 left in the game. Allen finished with 233 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
The Chiefs, however, have seen their chances of earning the AFC’s top playoff seed dwindle. With four losses in their last six games, they are now looking at the potential of playing a postseason game on the road.
The Bills, now in a six-way tie for the final two playoff spots, kept their hopes alive with the much-needed victory. They enter a crucial stretch and have a real chance to sneak back into the playoffs with four games remaining.