The Texans were penalized by the referees over minor blunders that would have otherwise been irrelevant in game against Kansas City Chiefs.
Patrick Mahomes talks to the referee (Image via IMAGO)
The Kansas City Chiefs have a loyal fanbase and are favorites of many, including the referees. That is the notion because the team tends to get favorable calls every week. The case is no different in Week 16 as a few calls by the referees have irked fans.
The first call came in the form of an offensive pass interference against Tank Dell of the Houston Texans. While safety Nazeeh Johnson was guarding him, Dell ran his route and placed his hands on the former’s shoulder, it was not pass interference but the referees did not see it that way.
The next questionable call came in the form of a holding call on a Texans defensive lineman. This was called right after Patrick Mahomes was sacked and the holding call was on Derek Stingley Jr. who was guarding DeAndre Hopkins. He just placed his hand on the wideout’s shoulder and it did not constitute holding but the referees had a different view.
If you thought this was all, there is more. Patrick Mahomes fumbled the ball and the Texans swooped right in for a fumble recovery. After this, the Texans went on to gain possession and ran the ball for 10 yards but this was when flags began to fly in. Houston was penalized for roughing the passer and the turnover was changed to an incomplete pass.
If this happened for a week or two then it would have been fine but fans are growing frustrated by seeing this repeat every week for the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s how they reacted to it via X:
Call it hate or jealousy on the part of other fanbases but it is hard to deny that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs occupy somewhat of a soft spot in the hearts of referees. However, it is not surprising since this team is the face of the NFL and in between Mahomes, Kelce, and Swift, the amount of money they bring in for the league is significant.