Patrick Mahomes has responded to claims that NFL referees favor the Chiefs, saying referees are “doing everything they can” to make correct calls.
The notion that the two-time defending champions receive preferential treatment from referees has persisted all season, with even Cowboys star Micah Parsons criticizing the referees.
But after the Chiefs' divisional-round victory over the Texans, in which Houston was penalized twice for rough calls on Mahomes, the quarterback broke his silence about the perceived bias in his team's favor.
“I've learned that no matter what happens during the game, something is going to come out if you win and keep winning, so I don't really pay attention to it,” Mahomes said on 96.5 The Fan, according to the kansas city star.
“I mean, obviously I've been on both sides as far as how I felt the decisions were made, but at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing everything they can to make the best decisions and keep them that way. Where the players make the decisions. plays in the game. And that is what decides the result.
In a controversial play last weekend, Mahomes received an unnecessary roughness penalty when he was hit by Henry To'oTo'o.
Patrick Mahomes says he doesn't pay attention to the idea that referees favor the Chiefs
An unnecessary roughness penalty was called on the Texans in the second half on this play.
After dropping the snap, Mahomes battled for a brief gain before deciding to surrender as Folorunso Fatukasi and To'oTo'o quickly closed in.
ESPN's Troy Aikman criticized the on-air call.
'Oh, come on! I mean, he's a runner,' he said. 'I couldn't disagree more with that. He barely takes any hits.
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk agreed with the former Cowboy: 'The two Houston players hit each other. “That shouldn't have been a foul,” he said.
Houston's Will Anderson Jr. also received a rating of Controversial punishment for mistreatment of the passer for hitting Mahomes in the first quarter.
However, referee Clay Martin told a pool reporter after the game that both roughing penalties were called correctly.
Mahomes was also criticized by fans and analysts for “failing” in the second half on Saturday.
With Kansas City leading just 13-12 in the fourth quarter, Mahomes left the field on second-and-goal, but slowed before exiting.
To'oTo'o then pushed the two-time MVP out of bounds before raising his arms in the air and falling to the ground.
No flag was thrown at the play, but Aikman was again outraged.
He is trying to take the penalty. Instead of just going out of bounds, slow down,” Aikman said.
'And that has been the frustration and I understand it. I understand. “That's been the frustration of these defensive players in the league.”
Mahomes and the Chiefs will host the Bills on Sunday as they look to reach their third straight Super Bowl.