NFL Officiating Comes Under Fire in AFC Championship Game
NFL officiating was a hot topic during the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. With about 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Bills faced a 4th-and-1 situation. Quarterback Josh Allen attempted a quarterback sneak to try to gain a new set of downs. Initially, it appeared as though the push from his teammates was unsuccessful in getting the first down.
The play was reviewed, and the CBS broadcast showed the two sideline judges initially disagreeing on the spot of the ball. One official spotted the ball closer to the marker, while the other did not. The replay seemed to show Allen may have gotten the ball across the line as he backed up into Chiefs defensive linemen. However, the officials ultimately ruled that Allen did not get the ball to the marker, and the Bills turned the ball over.
Fans watching the game were highly critical of the ball spot and expressed their frustration on social media. The Chiefs scored on the following drive, and the Bills tied the game on the next possession. The game ended with the Chiefs winning 32-29, thanks to a Harrison Butker field goal and a defensive stop.
This was not the only questionable call in the game. A huge Xavier Worthy play in the second quarter was ruled a catch despite the ball appearing to touch the ground. The Chiefs scored on the drive as well.