Three-time Super Bowl champion and current host Troy Aikman led the chorus of criticism of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who “flopped” in the Kansas City Chiefs’ controversial win over the Houston Texans on Saturday.
After seeing the Texans thwarted for rough behavior early in the National Football League playoff game, Mahomes appeared to dramatically throw himself to the ground during a play in the fourth quarter, drawing the ire of pundits and fans alike pulled out.
In the ESPN commentary booth, analyst Aikman said: “He’s trying to take the penalty. Instead of just running out of bounds, he slows down. And that was the frustration, and I understand. I understand it. That’s been the frustration for these defensive players across the league.”
The Texans were not penalized for the play, but that did not stop the wave of outrage on social media from fans angered by such antics in American football, with two separate calls early in the game in favor of the Chiefs feeling the increasing injustice.
More from Aikman.
“He tries to take the penalty. Instead of just running out of bounds, he slows down. And that’s the frustration, and I understand that. I understand it. That’s been the frustration for these defensive players in the league.” https://t.co/rzfAXSaz6o pic.twitter.com/LilHhaI2Bh
– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) January 18, 2025
Aikman had said he “couldn’t disagree” with the decision to penalize Houston’s Henry To’oTo’o and Folorunso Fatukasi for a hit on Mahomes in the third quarter, explaining that the quarterback had become a “runner” during the game are. h Rules protecting the QB should not apply. ESPN on-air rules expert Russell Yurk also said he didn’t believe the Houston players hit Mahomes as he fell, but that they hit each other, with Mahomes among them. The Chiefs took advantage of the decision and scored a touchdown that gave them a 20-12 lead.
Earlier in the contest, Texans defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr. was also upset when he was cited for roughing the passer on an incomplete pass from Mahomes. That drive ended in a field goal, giving the Chiefs a 6-3 lead, and Anderson Jr. was blunt after the game, telling reporters, “We knew we were going to face the refs before this game.”
ESPN rules analyst Russell Yurk: “It looked like the initial contact was in the upper chest area. I didn’t see anything there that would justify a foul.”
Troy Aikman: “I agree with you, Russell. From that perspective, I don’t see helmet-to-helmet racing… a major penalty.” #NFL pic.twitter.com/xt2nmDPqfg
– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) January 18, 2025
While NFL players can be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, there is no official policy specifically against flopping or diving. Aikman called on the NFL to change the rules, saying, “They’re going to have to deal with this in the offseason.”
Kansas City won the game 23-14 and advanced to the AFC Championship Game, where they await the winner of Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. Later Saturday, the Washington Commanders and their rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels pulled off a major upset, advancing to the NFC Championship game with a victory over the top seed, the Detroit Lions. The Commanders will next face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles.
After winning the previous two showcases, the Chiefs have a chance for an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory, with Mahomes hoping for his fourth crown overall.
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