ESPN’s Adam Schefter Reportedly Looking at the Possibility of Using Replay Assist for Quarterback Slides in the NFL
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently sparked criticism on Saturday for mentioning that the NFL may consider using replay assist when it comes to quarterback slides. In a tweet, Schefter wrote, “For all those complaining that Patrick Mahomes gets too many calls, relief soon could be on the way.” This statement led to a massive outcry among NFL fans, who perceived Schefter as implying that Mahomes often receives favorable treatment from referees.
Mahomes’ late slide against the Houston Texans in the recent AFC divisional round led to an unnecessary roughness penalty after he was hit by linebacker Henry To’oTo’o as he dropped to the ground. The call was defended by head referee Clay Martin, who stated that there was forcible contact to Mahomes’ “hairline” on the other unnecessary roughness call.
Despite the controversy surrounding the slide, Schefter backed up his claim using statistics. According to researcher Paul Hembo, the Chiefs’ opponents have been flagged for roughing the passer six times compared to zero times for the Chiefs. When it comes to unnecessary roughness, Kansas City’s opponents have seen four penalty flags and only one against the Chiefs.
Actor and huge Chiefs fan Eric Stonestreet took to NFL Network to express his disappointment with Schefter’s tweet, calling it “conspiracy theory.” Mahomes himself was asked about the alleged favoritism during the week, and he dismissed the idea, stating, “I don’t feel that way… I just try to play football at the end of the day. The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and proper as best they can.”
The Chiefs are set to play the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.