Looks like the refs are back in their main character era. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Divisional Round clash against the Houston Texans sparked reactions, and nope, it wasn’t just about Patrick Mahomes’ magic.
NFL fans lit up social media after a missed hip-drop tackle call went in K.C.’s favor, leaving Texans supporters fuming and neutral fans crying foul.
Chiefs’ Missed Call Fuels Outrage Over Player Safety and Favoritism
During the Saturday, Jan. 18, Divisional Round clash between the Chiefs and Texans, a glaring missed call had fans seething. It was a blatant hip-drop tackle, a move the league explicitly outlawed ahead of the 2024 season to prioritize player safety.
The no-call came in the first half, with the Chiefs benefitting as a Texans defender used the controversial technique to bring down a runner. The rule exists because hip-drop tackles have caused significant injuries in recent years. The league’s emphasis on protecting players from these high-risk plays makes this non-call even harder to justify.
For those keeping score, this fuels the long-standing belief that top teams, like the Chiefs, get the benefit of the doubt from officials. With the Chiefs chasing their third straight Super Bowl title (a feat no team has ever accomplished), the timing of this controversy feels all too convenient for critics.
Missed calls happen, but when it’s about player safety, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Social media erupted, with fans declaring the game unfairly officiated.
Fans Clash Over Missed Call: Integrity or Bias?
If there’s one thing NFL fans agree on, it’s that they rarely agree on officiating.
One fan commented, “The refs are ruining the game.” This is the cry of frustrated fans who’ve seen enough. Plays like this, where a dangerous tackle went unchecked, feel like a direct hit to the game’s integrity.
Another added, “That is the definition of a hip-drop tackle… These refs are just being blatant now.” Fans are pointing to the replay receipts.
That is the definition of a hip drop tackle. He landed on his legs. These refs are just being blatant now.
— TSLAKRZ (@AndyKhauv) January 19, 2025
Not everyone is crying foul.
“You do know the chiefs have gotten less calls than the average team right? And rank somewhere near the bottom in penalty yardage gained, right? Twitter experts don’t know ball,” a third wrote.
Chiefs fans are backing their squad with stats: K.C. ranks low in penalty yardage gained this season, 12th-fewest in the NFL, and fans on X are calling out “Twitter refs” for bias.
You do know the chiefs have gotten less calls than the average team right? And rank somewhere near the bottom in penalty yardage gained, right?
Twitter experts don't know ball.
— Chad Van Dam (@ChadVanDam11) January 18, 2025
“The referees and NFL have already decided this is a 3-peat There is nothing anybody can do. The Kansas City Chiefs will win the Super Bowl,” another commented.
For some, this is a conspiracy. With the Chiefs chasing a historic third straight Super Bowl, fans smell favoritism.
The debate rages on, proving one thing: in the NFL, drama extends far beyond the field.