Facebook Pixel

    NFL Fans React to Controversial Call Late in Chiefs-Bengals Game: ‘Worst Pass Interference Call Ever’

    The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25 after Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

    However, immediately following the game, the conversation centered on a controversial pass interference call that occurred on fourth-and-16 with just 38 seconds remaining in the game, which helped the Chiefs seal the victory.

    NFL Fans React to Pass Interference Call

    On fourth-and-16, Patrick Mahomes threw an incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on the Chiefs’ 35, but Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony made contact with Rice just before the ball touched Rice’s hands.

    Or, at least, that’s what the refs determined.

    Many fans felt this was the wrong call, especially considering the circumstances.

    The penalty kept Kansas City’s drive alive and put Butker in position to drill the game-winning kick.

    Did the refs get it right?

    Many fans argued that Anthony shouldn’t have flagged because he was making a play on the ball. The NFL rulebook states that it is not pass interference if a defender is making an attempt to intercept or bat the ball away.

    Others pointed out just how early Anthony’s contact with Rice was, especially if you look at screenshots of the play.

    Some Bengals fans were quick to call this the “worst pass interference call ever.”

    Since the Chiefs were on the receiving end of the call, conspiracy theories started flying, with people suggesting that the fix was in.

    However, not everyone on social media was criticizing the officials.

    Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Robert Griffin III defended the referees, saying the call was a no-brainer.

    Others criticized the Bengals’ coaching staff for having Anthony — a seventh-round rookie — on the field and covering the Chiefs’ WR1 in such an important situation.

    After the game, what did Bengals head coach Zac Taylor have to say about the play?

    “You know, it’s one of those plays where we might benefit from that at some point this season. That’s what I told the guys,” Taylor said of the pass interference call.

    “They’re calling it like they see it. I thought they called a very fair game, and they saw that as a penalty, so they called a penalty.”

    Chiefs’ History of Favorable Pass Interference Calls

    Again, a major reason for fans’ frustration about this call is that the controversial play involved the Chiefs, and there’s belief that they get a ton of favorable calls in situations like this.

    For example, when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was called for defensive holding on a crucial third-and-8 with just 1:54 remaining in the game. After the automatic first down, Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining to win the game.

    During the Chiefs’ Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, fans flooded social media with comments about how the contest was rigged and that the refs were calling everything in the Chiefs’ favor, particularly the numerous illegal formation penalties against Baltimore.

    The final play of that game — a near-touchdown catch by Ravens TE Isaiah Likely — was also controversial.

    After the game, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson added fuel to the conspiracy theorists’ fire, saying: “I thought it was a touchdown. I still think it was a touchdown.”

    Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and former Eagles C Jason Kelce recently talked about these claims on his “New Heights” podcast, with Jason bringing up the controversial Super Bowl flag.

    “I think that it just opened up more criticism of the Chiefs getting favorable calls from the officials,” Jason said. “Do you have anything to say to that? I mean, you won a Super Bowl on it.”

    First, Travis joked, “Keep ’em coming, refs!”

    Then, he offered a serious response, pointing out that the Chiefs influenced the points of emphasis for NFL refs for this season.

    “I just don’t get it,” Travis said. “I think if you look at the actual penalties that are being called, we have literally been [the reason for], what is it, the point of emphasis.”

    “The reason they’re calling this is because of Jawaan Taylor this year and guys that were doing this a lot last year,” Jason said. “Just the reality of it, like Jawaan was like, he got called for it a lot last year.”

    “Questioning officials started once challenging became a thing, and now it’s like, officials have this expectation to get calls right 100% of the time,” Jason added. “Then, it got taken to another level with the legalization of gambling. It is toxic to the point of people [being upset].”

    2025 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

    The PFN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the FREE mock draft machine and get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.

    2025 NFL Season & Playoff Predictor

    PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

    NFL Offseason Manager: Salary Cap, Free Agency, and More

    Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

    Guess the NFL Player

    Test your NFL knowledge with PFSN's Guess the NFL Player game, the ultimate NFL player guessing game for football fans!

    ‘He Does Not Look Well’ — NFL Fans Can’t Believe How Exhausted Ben Johnson Looks In Viral Photo 49 Days Into Bears’ HC Gig

    Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson appeared tired and disheveled during a recent press conference, prompting varying reactions from fans.

    Legendary Coach Urban Meyer Makes Feelings Known On Why Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stock is ‘Slipping’

    Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft stock appears to be slipping. Former college and NFL head coach, Urban Meyer, shares why.

    Milton Williams Make Bold Admission That Becoming Patriots’ Highest-Paid Player of All-Time Tops Super Bowl Win

    Milton Williams makes a surprising admission that his record deal with the New England Patriots is a feeling that tops his recent Super Bowl victory.

    Top 121 NFL Free Agent Rankings: Tyron Smith, J.K. Dobbins, and Cooper Kupp Lead List of Top Free Agents Available

    After the flurry of re-signings took top talents off the market, who is still available in time for the legal tampering period and the start of free agency?
    Join the Conversation!

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here