In the aftermath of the Kansas City Chiefs heart-wrenching defeat to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes found himself at the center of controversy for his furious protests following a critical offside call.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith did not mince words, declaring that Mahomes had “embarrassed himself” with his emotional outburst.
The pivotal moment occurred in the closing minutes of the game at Arrowhead Stadium when an offside penalty negated what could have been a game-winning touchdown for the Chiefs.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney was flagged for lining up in the neutral zone, erasing the touchdown and leaving Mahomes seething with frustration.
Here's the All-22 film on the Kelce lateral/Toney offsides play. pic.twitter.com/62fThV5ZCN
— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) December 11, 2023
Smith, known for his outspoken commentary, criticized Mahomes on ESPN’s First Take, saying: “Patrick Mahomes may be the greatest quarterback we’ve ever seen. (But) it’s the first time in his career I’ve seen him embarrass himself.”
.@stephenasmith on Mahomes' reaction to Kadarius Toney's offsides penalty. pic.twitter.com/8H7aojB272
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 11, 2023
Smith also extended his criticism to Chiefs coach Andy Reid, questioning the team’s sloppiness and lack of accountability.
“Your receiver lined up offside. Period. Period,” Smith said. “Why the hell are these receivers this bad? … 33 dropped passes by Kansas City receivers this year!”
The NFL is now set to review Mahomes’ words and behavior, with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport suggesting that a fine is possible (and probably likely).
Enhanced audio of Patrick Mahomes yelling at the refs at the end of Chiefs-Bills pic.twitter.com/PKvRyULrDy
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 11, 2023
The fact of the matter is Toney was offside by a mile.
In a season that has seen horrific officiating, this was one time where the refs actually got it right.
The whole “we deserved a warning” argument goes out the window when Toney decides to inexplicably line up THAT far offsides … It was one of the biggest bonehead plays you’ll ever see.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid called the officiating, "A bit embarrassing." QB Patrick Mahomes said of the refs, "Every week, we’re talking about something."
There is a long-standing policy against questioning the integrity of the refs. These will be reviewed, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 11, 2023
“It’s tough to swallow … To have a flag change the outcome of the game … It’s not what we want for the NFL. It’s not what we want for football,” Mahomes said after the game.
But again, his anger should be directed at the careless Toney – not the officials.
It all goes back to accountability.
It’s hard to be this offsides. All time bonehead play by Toney and the Chiefs look like such babies crying about it https://t.co/JUuin4ikZJ pic.twitter.com/OCVUikj3kN
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) December 11, 2023
Now at 8-5, Mahomes may for the first time in his career have to play a playoff game on the road.
We all know how dangerous Kansas City can be when they’re clicking on all cylinders.
With Mahomes under center, you can never count them out.
Having said that, these Chiefs seem a little different than the teams of the past few years.
Patrick Mahomes complaining about a clear offsides by Toney say “just play the game & whatever happens, happens” He wants NO refs in a close game yet he won a Super Bowl when the #Chiefs held #NickBosa Stop whining 😢#PatrickMahomes & blame #Toney not the refs #Bills #49ers pic.twitter.com/dkP599Oxnn
— Ken Drew (@1kendrew) December 11, 2023
What are your thoughts on Toney’s inexplicable mistake and Mahomes’ emotional outburst that followed?
Mahomes when the refs don’t actively help the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/24ctQSK9K6
— Ethan (@EthanHoliday2) December 11, 2023
Will the Chiefs be able to get things back on track?
The AFC seems more wide-open than it has in a long time.
Should the Chiefs still be considered the favorites?
Or is their time over???