When Patrick Mahomes was hit late, the penalty set up the Kansas City Chiefs for the game-winning 45-yard field goal.
However, with some controversial officiating throughout the night, the call has come with some scrutiny not only among fans, but NFL coaches as well.
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In fact, an NFL coach says Mahomes sold the hit in order to get the extra yards.
“That is what the owners want, $40 million skill players flopping on the ground,” an NFC defensive coach told The Athletic, “drawing fouls from chemistry teachers, medical device salesmen and the like.”
The coach was referring to the fact that NFL referees are actually part-time employees by the league. Retired official Ed Houchili is an attorney, a career he held throughout his entire refereeing career — his son, Shawn, is a wealth management advisor when he’s not officiating games.
Mahomes was tackled by Joseph Ossai at the Bengals’ 42-yard line, but the penalty cost Cincinnati 15 yards.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 27-20 defeat of Jacksonville in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Tammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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Had the refs eaten the whistle, the Chiefs would have had eight seconds to attempt to get closer (or go for a 60-yarder). Instead, they were right in field goal range, and Harrison Butker drilled it.
The kick sent the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl in four years, and they improved to 3-2 in their last five AFC Championships – all of which they have hosted since 2019.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Kansas City will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, in Super Bowl LVII.
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