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Should NFL Review Penalty Calls Like Those on Patrick Mahomes to Ensure Fairness?

Should NFL Review Penalty Calls Like Those on Patrick Mahomes to Ensure Fairness?
Here’s The Scoop
NFL legend Champ Bailey, a name synonymous with defensive prowess, found himself among the countless Americans glued to their screens during the Houston Texans’ playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game that has sparked heated debate over officiating. At the center of the controversy were two penalties involving Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which have left many questioning the fairness of the calls.
Mahomes, a talented quarterback, drew significant attention for two penalties that had the entire NFL world buzzing. One particularly contentious call involved Houston linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness after Mahomes attempted a last-minute slide. Critics argue that Mahomes’ actions resembled a theatrical flop more than a genuine attempt to protect himself, raising questions about the consistency of officiating.
Champ Bailey, a former star cornerback for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins, voiced his frustration with the calls. “It’s like everything else. They review everything,” Bailey remarked, highlighting the need for officials to reassess plays that could alter the course of a game. He emphasized that such decisions could change the trajectory of a game and ultimately its outcome.
Bailey’s comments resonate with many fans who feel that quarterbacks like Mahomes receive undue protection, especially when they leave the pocket. “Once you’re outside of the pocket, man, it’s fair game,” Bailey stated, pointing out the disparity in how quarterbacks and running backs are treated by referees.
In an era where many fans are skeptical about the integrity of the game, Bailey’s call for consistency is a sentiment shared by many. He empathizes with fans who suspect favoritism or even game-fixing, though he doesn’t personally believe games are rigged. “The more they can get calls right in real time, the integrity increases in the game,” Bailey noted, urging the NFL to ensure fair play.
Meanwhile, Mahomes defended the integrity of the officiating, stating, “The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and proper as best they can.” As the Chiefs prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship, the spotlight remains on the NFL’s officiating standards and the need for consistency to maintain the trust of its passionate fan base.
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James Catevenis
January 28, 2025 at 7:30 am
I watched both the Texans vs. the Chiefs and the Bills vs. the Chiefs and saw several calls that either should not have been called against the visiting team, or the officials would call a penalty on the visiting team and not call the very same penalty on the Chiefs. As info, none of these teams are my team, my team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I just hate to see a team having to play against another team and also have to play against the officials!
Charles
January 28, 2025 at 8:08 am
Football is supposed to be a rough game. There are to many nonsense calls now. Go back to the 1940 rules or earlier and let them play. Holding is legit they don’t call it often enough. clipping is legit. As is off sides. Kickers and QBs need to take their lumps. either get rid of face masks or make them so there is nothing to hold on to and end face mask penalties. There should be no restrictions on what you grab or how you grab to make a tackle. The goal is to put the ball carrier on the ground.
ernaldo
January 28, 2025 at 9:01 am
They could fold the nfl as far as I’m concerned…..
Terri Cage
January 29, 2025 at 8:21 am
Seriously? What bothers me about this isn’t that it is an act of fairness, but that then these games will be compared to historic games and declared how much better they are today. Its how in baseball Atlanta built their stadium smaller so Hank Aaron could break the all time homerun record. And other horribly shameless stuff to make modern day players better and better. It’s a game people! Get a grip its just a game
Retired4ever
February 2, 2025 at 10:39 am
After watching the KC Texans game I totally agree that Mahomes was given a couple of calls that titlted the game.