The former head of NFL officiating has defended the controversial penalties called on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during Saturday’s divisional-round game against the Houston Texans. Two penalties in Mahomes’ favor sparked debate over how officials protect quarterbacks. From ESPN commentators to Texans’ coaches, there were questions about the accuracy of the calls, but the NFL has upheld them as correct.
On Sunday, NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson appeared on NFL Network’s “Gameday Morning” to explain why the roughing the passer and unnecessary roughness penalties were justified. He noted that the rule book required the calls to be made, despite ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk’s disagreement.
Anderson clarified that officials should generally avoid throwing flags for penalties unless it’s a roughing the passer violation. He also explained that replay assistance cannot overturn a flag if the hit involves contact to the head or neck area, but it can review non-head/neck contact. In Mahomes’ case, Texans defender Will Anderson Jr. made slight contact with Mahomes’ face mask, prompting the penalty.
In another instance, an unnecessary roughness call in the third quarter drew a reaction from commentator Troy Aikman. Anderson stated that Mahomes was considered down during his slide when Houston linebacker Henry To’oTo’o’s helmet grazed Mahomes’ head, resulting in the penalty.
“They’re gonna protect the quarterbacks,” Anderson emphasized.
He also mentioned the possibility of adjusting rules to allow more replay assistance in such situations, but noted that the unnecessary roughness penalty would still have stood due to sufficient contact. If the NFL competition committee decides to expand replay use, any changes would take effect next season. In the meantime, defensive players must adapt to how quarterbacks like Mahomes execute late slides. Ultimately, teams must perform well enough to minimize the impact of such calls on the game.
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