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NFL Fans Rip Refs After Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Benefit From Questionable Call

Karl Rasmussen|
Houston Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. hits Patrick Mahomes
Houston Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. hits Patrick Mahomes | Screenshot via Adam Schefter

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Kansas City ChiefsHouston Texans

The Kansas City Chiefs were beneficiaries of a questionable decision from referees during the first quarter which enabled them to extend their drive and eventually tack on three points against the Houston Texans.

After what appeared to be a clean and legal hit from Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. on Patrick Mahomes, officials tossed their flags and penalized Anderson for roughing the passer. That awarded the Chiefs a free first down, erasing what would've been a fourth-and-long.

Even announcer Troy Aikman wasn't convinced that a flag was warranted there, but it wasn't a reviewable play. The Chiefs scored a field goal seven plays later, giving them a 6–3 lead.

Fans have been skeptical about the amount of generous calls that have gone in favor of Kansas City throughout the year. Naturally, when a controversial decision from referees benefitted the Chiefs in their first playoff game of the year, those skeptics made themselves heard.

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Karl Rasmussen
KARL RASMUSSEN

Karl Rasmussen is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.

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