The Kansas City Chiefs feel like the referees have robbed them out of a win against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and they are not afraid to speak their minds. Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid publicly criticized the officials for a later offensive offside call that nullified a touchdown for the lead.
With just over a minute left on the game clock, the Chiefs found themselves at Buffalo’s 49-yard line, chasing a three-point deficit. Mahomes got the ball out of the shotgun and made a deep pass to star tight end Travis Kelce for 25 yards. Instead of getting down, Kelse threw a lateral to wideout Kadarius Toney, who walked into the end zone unscathed.
But before the Chiefs could celebrate, the referees nullified the play and flagged Toney for offside. Kansas City’s offense then lost the ball on downs, and the Bills simply ran down the clock to get a 20-17 win.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Mahomes said that the referees should have warned Toney for being offside or just let the play stand.
“It’s tough. Lost for words. It’s tough, “said Mahomes. “Regardless if we win or lose, just the end of another game and we’re talking about the refs. It’s just not what we want for the NFL and for football.”
Reid also expected a warning and called the entire situation.
“It’s a bit embarrassing for the National Football League for that to take place,” he said.
The loss to the Bills now means that the Chiefs lost three out of their last four games. They are still at the top of the AFC West but remain just one game ahead of the surging Denver Broncos.
