The conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills will be discussed for years after another controversial penalty helped determine the outcome of the game. A memorable play featuring Travis Kelce and Kadarius Toney was wiped away with a shocking offensive offsides call that made quarterback Patrick Mahomes irate.
Mahomes didn’t hold back his frustration on the field and during his postgame press conference. He wanted everyone, including the league itself, to know that the play not only cost the Chiefs a comeback opportunity but erased an unforgettable moment from the record books.
“It is obviously tough to swallow,” Mahomes explained. “I mean, not only for me but just for football in general, I mean, to just take away greatness like that. I mean, for a guy like Travis (Kelce) to make a play like that. And who knows if we win. As fans, you want to see the guys in the field decide the game.”
Play was called back but can't believe Kelce tried this 😮
📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/LREwwhaQ1N— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2023
Kelce finished Sunday’s loss with six catches for 83 yards, but many will leave this game with the potential of how things would be if his lateral did indeed count for the Chiefs to win.
“That’s why last week, I didn’t say anything about the flag that didn’t get called on him, Marquez (Valdes-Scantling),” Mahomes continued. “I mean, they’re human; they make mistakes. Every week, we’re talking about something, and all I can do is go out there and give everything I have. And I’m proud of the guys. That’s what we did. And it was a great football game that ended like that. It’s tough to swallow.”
The Chiefs’ loss hurt their chances at the top overall seed in the AFC with four games remaining, as they are now forced to focus on their dwindling lead in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos have quickly moved to within a game of Kansas City in the division as the teams split their season series.