Some fans might have found more reasons to question the NFL officiating in favor of the Chiefs after Monday night’s game involving quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
During the first quarter, Mahomes connected on a two-yard touchdown pass while another player, Traviskells, also scored. However, a flag was thrown. It seemed like a few Chiefs players didn’t notice the flag initially, hastily asserting why they believed there shouldn’t be a penalty.
Upon reviewing the play, it appeared that Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster executed a pick against a Jaguars defender, indicating the penalty was likely warranted.
The relevant rule stipulates that within one yard of the line of scrimmage, offensive players can block. If they go beyond that one-yard margin, they could face penalties for initiating contact.
Looking at another angle of the play, it’s evident that Smith-Schuster didn’t advance and was clearly heard on camera urging, “We got a yard.”
Commentators Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, along with the rules analysts, seemed to support the referee’s call during their broadcast.
“In scenarios like these, they evaluate contacts,” noted ESPN rules analyst Russell Yuke. “If the contact happens beyond a yard, it’s not just about foot placement; it’s a valid call for pass interference. I believe it was rightly called.”
Even former players, like Kurtven Kart from Green Bay, voiced their perspectives on social media, calling for a foul.
Benkert further emphasized that the call should have stood, pointing out the one-yard rule wasn’t the main factor.
Many others shared their opinions as well.
“It seemed like offensive pass interference should’ve been clear even beyond a yard downfield,” wrote one user. “Juju essentially boxed out his defender and didn’t even attempt the route.”
Another comment observed, “Mahomes seems to dictate what the refs decide to do.”
One user on X mentioned, “It’s as if they’re doing everything to favor the Chiefs. Obvious pass interference leads to a turnover for Trevor. It’s honestly pathetic how overt it is.”
This wasn’t the only controversial pass interference incident during the game. Later on, a hit by Kansas City’s Jayden Hicks on Jaguars receiver Parker Washington led to an interception, yet no flag was thrown for that play either.
Despite these controversies, the Jaguars managed to pull off a 31-28 victory. Perhaps that’s why these missed calls have been somewhat overlooked. If the Chiefs had won, maybe it would have been a different story.
