The NFL is considering a rule change after receiving major backlash over controversial calls that allegedly favored the Kansas City Chiefs.
Potential NFL Rule Change Following Backlash Over Calls Favoring Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs led to a ton of backlash, as multiple controversial calls were made across several games. While this isn’t a new occurrence, as refs can’t be perfect, it was noticeably bad.
Furthermore, these calls seemed to be especially favoring quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in their victory over the Houston Texans. This game was bad enough that it even led fans to believe that the refs were “cheating” in favor of the Chiefs.
While this is a bit of a stretch, it was an opinion that many fans shared. That said, ESPN insider Adam Schefter announced prior to the Chiefs’ matchup with the Buffalo Bills that NFL replay assist could expand next season to include things such as the quarterback slide.
For all those complaining that Patrick Mahomes gets too many calls, relief soon could be on the way.
NFL replay assist is expected to expand this offseason into plays that could include the quarterback slide, league sources told ESPN.https://t.co/4w3haqOW7i
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2025
This is great news for fans who believe the refs have missed their mark this season, particularly with the Chiefs.
One of the more controversial calls in the Divisional Round was a late slide by Mahomes that turned into an unnecessary roughness penalty. Though the defenders went for the hit, they ended up only hitting each other and had little to no contact with Mahomes.
This is also amazing to hear, as it means that the league is listening to the fans rather than ignoring the criticism. They’ve been facing a lot of backlash, and it seems it could actually be helping. Hopefully, if the NFL does make a rule change, it does so properly, and it’s beneficial to everyone on the field.
Mahomes Receives Major Social Media Backlash for ‘Flopping’ in Chiefs’ Victory
Though the Chiefs handled business at home, taking down the Texans 23-14 en route to their seventh straight AFC Championship Game, Mahomes has received a ton of backlash on social media for his antics during the game.
While many fans complained about the poor officiating in the game, they were also frustrated by Mahomes’ “flopping” to get these calls. One incident was worse than the rest, as he exaggerated a push out of bounds to get an unnecessary roughness call.
One fan called it a “Ridiculous attempt at a flop after getting SEVERAL questionable roughing calls already this game. This is the reason people outside of KC don’t like Mahomes.”
Ridiculous attempt at a flop after getting SEVERAL questionable roughing calls already this game. This is the reason people outside of KC don’t like Mahomes. https://t.co/qLfFxf26K7
— FF BirdGang (@FFBirdGang) January 18, 2025
Another fan also called this attempt ridiculous, saying, “What a ridiculous flop attempt by Mahomes, this is embarrassing.”
What a ridiculous flop attempt by Mahomes 😂😂this is embarrassing pic.twitter.com/8pcU76KhZn
— Ace Football Analytics (@js_ace_football) January 18, 2025
This is a prime example of what kind of plays should be reviewable, as “flopping” simply wouldn’t have an impact on the game anymore.