Kansas City Chiefs, after staying behind the Chargers for most of the game, have won yet another close encounter. The defending champions actually took the lead for the first time in the final six minutes of the contest. However, as expected, controversy arose, with refs being at the center of it yet again.
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With the scores tied at 10-10, the Chiefs got the opportunity around the 6th minute of the 4th quarter to take the lead. They were inside 1st and the goal, when the Chargers’ defense overpowered the offensive line and LB Khalil Mack rushed towards Patrick Mahomes. The 2-time MVP was hurried and he threw the ball away resulting in an incompletion.
However, the ref threw a flag on the play, penalizing Alohi Gilman for holding. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that the Chargers’ No. 32 didn’t commit a hold, and the penalty was unwarranted. The call gave the Chiefs an automatic first down, and they capitalized by scoring a touchdown.
Frustrated fans alleged that the refs bailed Kansas City out of a tough spot, adding that they now expect this every time the defending champs play. An X user pointed out that the officiating crew involved in the match has been favorable to the Chiefs in the past too.
As expected again!
— DJ 2LEET (@dj2leet) September 29, 2024
Another chimed in and added an interesting fact concerning the refs,
These are Mahomes and the Chiefs favorite refs. Same crew that the NFL hand-picked for the AFC championship last year that heavily favors the away team. They were really bad in that game as well (but not for the Chiefs)
— Oriolesfan85 (@Ravensfanforeve) September 29, 2024
However, many defended the call, stating that there was clear holding on the play, though the referees penalized the wrong player.
it was clear holding on hunt but okay
— The GOAT (@GabeThePrincess) September 29, 2024
Chill bro they called the wrong number but there’s clearly a hold in there on #43
— Devin Custer (@DevinCuster1) September 29, 2024
The Chiefs ended up winning the match 17-10, their fourth victory on the trot. As it turns out, much like their first three matches, the Chiefs capitalized on the errors of the opposition more than curating flawless plays from their end. However, their defense, much like last season, performed exceptionally.
Patrick Mahomes, on the other hand, threw another pick, his fifth of the season. Probably the only major positive for the unit’s offense was Mahomes and Travis Kelce finally finding their connection to take the team over the line. Kelce finished the match with seven receptions for 89 yards. The Chiefs will now take on the Saints next week with the aim of going 5-0 this season.
