Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid expressed frustration with the referees following the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Mahomes, a former NFL Most Valuable Player, was visibly upset on the sidelines after an offensive offsides call nullified a potential game-winning touchdown.
The play involved Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce making a rare backwards pass to receiver Kadarius Toney, who scored, but the touchdown was negated due to a penalty for Toney’s right foot being in the neutral zone.
The Chiefs, who could have taken a 24–20 lead in the final minute, instead faced a second-and-15 after the penalty. The game concluded with Kansas City turning the ball over on downs. Mahomes, a two-time Super Bowl winner, displayed frustration by slamming his helmet upon returning to the sidelines.
After the game, Mahomes criticized the officiating, expressing disappointment in the outcome-changing call. He emphasized the impact on the game’s dynamics and questioned the absence of a warning throughout the match. Coach Reid also voiced displeasure, noting that a warning is typically given before such calls and deeming it embarrassing for the National Football League.
Referee Carl Cheffers defended the decision, stating that Toney’s alignment in the neutral zone was too egregious to overlook. Cheffers clarified that they typically provide a warning for such situations but deemed this instance beyond a warning.
The Chiefs’ loss to the Bills, with a final score of 20–17, dropped their record to 8–5, placing them at No. 3 in the AFC. Despite still leading the AFC West, the loss impacted their standings. The Bills improved to 7–6, maintaining their playoff contention.
In terms of individual performances, Mahomes had 271 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and an interception, while Kelce contributed six catches for 83 yards. Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 23 of 42 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown, with running back James Cook making the game-winning catch.
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