In last week’s divisional round, the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans saw Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes draw two controversial penalty flags. After reviewing the incidents, the NFL determined that these flags should not have been thrown. In the first quarter, Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was penalized for roughing the passer, followed later by defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o being flagged for contact on Mahomes after a late quarterback slide. Typically, when such penalties occur, the league reviews the footage post-game, and players may receive fines in addition to the on-field penalties if the infractions are confirmed.
However, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted, the NFL chose not to fine the Texans defenders for these incidents. “The NFL did not fine Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. for a first-quarter roughing the passer foul, nor did it fine defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi or linebacker Henry To’oTo’o for their Malachi crunch after Mahomes slid in the second half,” Florio wrote for Pro Football Talk. This lack of fines suggests that the NFL acknowledges the calls were incorrect and that the flags should not have been thrown.
Both fouls sparked criticism online regarding potential official bias in favor of the Chiefs. Florio remarked, “The fact that they weren’t fined suggests that, after more careful consideration of the film, the NFL decided that the hits did not merit punishment — which further implies that the flags shouldn’t have been thrown.” This situation elicited numerous reactions on social media, with fans expressing disbelief.
“Can’t believe they didn’t fine those 2 Texans for colliding with each other while Mahomes slid,” one fan posted on X. Another remarked, “They have to try and make themselves look better. Nudge nudge, wink wink.. Nothing to see here!” Others voiced their opinions: “Those officials deserved a fine,” one stated, while another opined, “The only ones getting fines should be the refs. The defense barely touched him.” Someone quipped, “The refs should be fined!” While the league has no means to change the calls retroactively, it is clear that the initial penalties were incorrect.
