The Kansas City Chiefs started the 2023 season with an 8-5 record, leading the AFC West. However, their recent loss to the Buffalo Bills left Mahomes visibly distraught on the sidelines. Despite his individual success, Mahomes is a team player who understands the importance of every call and its impact on the game. He was particularly frustrated by an offsides call on Kadarius Toney that negated what could have been a game-changing touchdown.
Mahomes recognized that Toney was close to the line and “barely” over, but his frustration stemmed from the lack of typical protocol when it comes to offensive offsides. In his post-game interview, Mahomes expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s not even just for me, I know how much everybody puts into this game, and for it to come to a flag changing the outcome of the game… it’s tough”. This incident highlighted Mahomes’ dedication to the sport and his desire to see the game decided by the players on the field rather than by officiating calls.
Play was called back but can't believe Kelce tried this ????
????: #BUFvsKC on CBS
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/LREwwhaQ1N— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2023
Patrick Mahomes very emotional on the sidelines. pic.twitter.com/nkq3kIvDqa
— NFL on CBS ???? (@NFLonCBS) December 11, 2023
The Impact of the Officiating Call
The offsides call on Toney had a significant impact on the game’s outcome and left Mahomes and his teammates reeling. The Chiefs’ coach, Andy Reid, voiced his displeasure with the officials for not warning him about Toney’s offsides position, as had been done in the past. Reid went as far as calling the situation “embarrassing for the National Football League”. Referee Carl Cheffers defended their decision by stating that no warning was required, especially when the player is lined up so far offsides that it obstructs the officials’ view of the ball.
The frustration caused by this call was amplified by the fact that it was not an isolated incident. Mahomes acknowledged that mistakes happen but expressed his concern that every week they seem to be discussing controversial calls or non-calls. This ongoing issue adds to the frustrations of both players and fans, who want the game to be decided by the players’ performance rather than by officiating controversies.
The Chiefs’ Struggles
While the controversial offsides call magnified the Chiefs’ frustrations, it is important to recognize the struggles they have faced throughout the season. The loss to the Bills marked the team’s second consecutive defeat, a streak they have not experienced since Weeks 2-3 of the 2021 season. In Week 13, the Chiefs also surrendered a season-high 27 points in a road loss to the Green Bay Packers.
One area of concern for the Chiefs is the performance of their All-Pro tight end, Travis Kelce. Kelce has not reached 100 yards receiving in any of his last six games. In addition, the wide receivers have made costly mistakes, contributing to Mahomes’ frustration on the field. These struggles have hindered the Chiefs’ offensive efficiency and put more pressure on Mahomes to carry the team.
Looking Ahead
Despite their recent setbacks, the Chiefs still have an opportunity to turn things around in Week 15 against the struggling New England Patriots. This game presents a chance for Mahomes and his teammates to unleash their frustrations and regain their winning form. With the AFC West title within reach, the Chiefs will need to address their issues on both sides of the ball and find their rhythm once again.
