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The Kansas City Chiefs' narrow victory over the Cincinnati Bengals has reignited a long-standing controversy: is Patrick Mahomesgetting extra help from referees? A contentious play in the third quarter has fired up Mahomes' critics, who once again claim the Chiefs quarterback is benefitting from favorable officiating.
The game at Arrowhead Stadium was anything but comfortable for Kansas City fans. Despite the tight 26-25 win, which was sealed by a Harrison Butker field goal with three seconds on the clock, the Chiefs showed significant vulnerabilities.
However, many fans attribute the victory not to team performance or Butker's game-winning 51-yard kick, but to a questionable call in favor of Mahomes.
The play in question involved a potential interception late in the third quarter. While it didn't directly affect the final score, critics see it as part of a worrying trend that paints Mahomes and the Chiefs in a suspicious light.
The stats don't lie
After the Chiefs-Bengals showdown, WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase shared a statistic that put Mahomes' detractors on high alert. "Patrick Mahomes just threw his 17th INT that was called back due to defensive penalty. Most in the NFL since 2018," DiBiase tweeted, sparking immediate backlash online.
Mahomes had a fairly average game, completing 18 of 25 es for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, many fans argue he should have been credited with a third interception, once again accusing referees of giving him favorable treatment.
The disputed play occurred when Mahomes targeted Justin Watson, only for the ball to be picked off by Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner. But the refs flagged Cincinnati safety Daijahn Anthony for illegal , nullifying the interception.
Fans sound off
DiBiase's tweet ignited an immediate firestorm on social media. Some s were quick to criticize the referees, accusing them of consistently siding with Mahomes and the Chiefs. "Every time he throws an INT, I just wait for a flag. They always get the call," one fan tweeted, with another adding, "The refs have always helped them." A third commented, "Chiefs fans claim this doesn't happen though."
However, others were more understanding, pointing out that Mahomes often throws deep when the defense is flagged for offsides or other penalties, turning these into "free plays."
"It's almost like he takes a shot downfield when there's a defensive penalty because it's a free play," one remarked. Another agreed, adding, "A lot of those INTs are from risk-taking when he knows there's no consequence."
Although the play had no impact on the scoreboard-since Cam Taylor-Britt intercepted Mahomes just a few plays later-the controversy surrounding Mahomes and perceived referee favoritism rages on. Both his critics and ers will no doubt continue to scrutinize every move with laser focus.