The Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with an issue related to penalties, which may have just cost them an important win in the AFC West.
Kansas City incurred 11 penalties totaling 105 yards during their 28-24 defeat against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, featuring a false start that negated what could have been a game-winning touchdown.
The incident highlighted an alarming pattern that has persisted throughout the season.
As reported by The Associated Press, the Chiefs have faced penalties amounting to 164 more yards compared to their opponents this season, marking the worst differential in the NFL.
This problem isn’t new; since Patrick Mahomes took over as Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018, the team has amassed a penalty differential of minus-1,100 yards, which is the third-worst in the league during that time frame.
Sunday’s loss illustrated this issue vividly.
The Chiefs were ahead of the Denver Broncos 24-13 in the fourth quarter but allowed two touchdowns, trailing 28-24 in the end.
Following this, Mahomes advanced Kansas City to the 1-yard line of Denver, creating a final chance to regain the lead.
On a crucial fourth down, Mahomes found Rashee Rice in the end zone as the clock hit zero.
However, right tackle Jaylon Moore received a penalty for a false start, nullifying the touchdown.
This setback pushed the team back five yards, and Mahomes ended up being sacked by Malcolm Roach on the final play.
Reid contested the false start call following the game, stating that while he noticed Moore’s head movement, he did not believe a penalty was warranted.
Kansas City concluded with 52 accepted penalties adding up to 464 yards across seven games, averaging over 66 penalty yards per game.
Coach Andy Reid recognized on Monday that these errors were becoming detrimental.
“I don’t like penalties. Do they frustrate me? Yes, they do,” Reid stated, as per the AP.
“One must ensure that you’re not hindering your own progress. Games are too challenging and too closely contested.”
Tight end Travis Kelce, who received a penalty for a pre-snap violation on Sunday, also expressed his frustration regarding procedural errors.
The Chiefs’ 11 penalties against Denver included six on the defensive side totaling 70 yards, further complicating their attempts to maintain the fourth-quarter lead.
The defeat resulted in Kansas City dropping to a 5-2 record and propelled Denver to first place in the AFC West.
With another divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders still looming this season, it has become increasingly crucial to eliminate unnecessary penalties.
For a Chiefs squad used to securing victories in close games, the events of Sunday highlighted how swiftly mistakes can undermine an otherwise effective performance.
