Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes critical of referees over offsides penalty call
Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid against the New England Patriots during the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid were equally upset about the ending of their team’s Sunday showdown against the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs lost their third game in four weeks when they were defeated 20-17 by the Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. in Week 14.
The Chiefs trailed by three and had 2nd-and-10 from the Bills’ 49 when wide receiver Kadarius Toney appeared to score an electric go-ahead touchdown with just over a minute to play. But the TD was wiped away due to Toney lining up offsides prior to the snap (video here).
Mahomes threw a tantrum after the Chiefs turned the ball over on downs shortly after the penalty was called.
Mahomes continued to air out his frustrations during his postgame press conference. He described the call as bad for both the NFL and football as a sport.
“It’s obviously tough to swallow. … I know as fans, you want to see the guys on the field decide the game. … There was no warning throughout the entire game, and then you wait until there’s a minute left to make a call like that? It’s tough, man. Loss for words,” said Mahomes.
#ChiefsKingdom postgame thread:
Patrick Mahomes on the penalty taking away Kelce's big play:
"For football in general, to take away greatness like that, for Travis to make a play like that… As fans you want to see the guys on the field decide the game… Lost for words." @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/kcJhmCJJMJ— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) December 11, 2023
Reid expressed his disappointment in the call deciding the game. The Chiefs coach called the late-game penalty “embarrassing” for the NFL.
“Very disappointed that it ended the way it did. … Normally I get a warning before something like that happens in a big game. A bit embarrassing in the NFL for that to take place,” said Reid.
Andy Reid shares his frustrations on the offsides call…
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) December 11, 2023
The loss dropped the Chiefs to 8-5 in the standings — a full two games back of the Baltimore Ravens for the top seed in the AFC. They’ve now lost four of their last six games.