Breakdown of Controversial Finish in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs won a thriller at Arrowhead, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25, and the game did not come without any controversy. Once again, in the Patrick Mahomes versus Joe Burrow rivalry, this game came down to the final minutes. There were multiple plays that were left in the hands of the officials, and it resulted in the party of the Bengals feeling unhappy. Two critical plays in the fourth quarter that had the officials making a call to impact the game.

Controversial Play #1:

With the game on the line, on fourth and a mile, Mahomes threw an incomplete pass intended for wide receiver Rashee Rice and defensive back Daijahn Anthony was called for defensive pass interference. The circumstances of the play were that the game was on the line. The officials made the correct call because Anthony made contact with Rice well before the ball arrived within reach.

Controversial Play #2:

Late in the fourth quarter, Ja'Marr Chase caught a four-yard pass from Burrow and was tackled by Trent McDuffie. Chase immediately jumped up, arguing with the officials that it was a hip drop tackle by McDuffie, and the officials called Chase for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Chase had a case for an illegal tackle because McDuffie grabbed the top of his jersey in the back. For the unsportsmanlike conduct, the official allowed Chase to bark until it was too much, and it was a deserved penalty.

The Bengals were called for eight penalties for 79 yards, while the Chiefs were called for just four penalties for 44 yards. The key to officiating is always being consistent. Even though Chase was properly called for an unsportsmanlike conduct, it would be consistent to also call the Chiefs for the same penalty when they crossed the line. It’s unfortunate that some controversial calls in this Chiefs-Bengals game overshadowed another great game in this rivalry.