Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) and free safety Corey Graham (20) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Another week in the books and another win for the Kansas City Chiefs. This week was full of exciting moments, unfortunately many of them orchestrated by bad NFL officiating.
Chiefs’ fans have to admit the game on Sunday would have been more nerve-racking had the officials gotten a few calls correct on the field or if Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan challenged said calls after the fact. The first was a play where Chiefs’ wide receiver Jeremy Maclin used the ground to help him secure a catch early in the second quarter.
Had Ryan challenged that call the Chiefs would have faced third and long just outside of field goal range. Another came with just over two minutes left in the game where Bills’ wide receiver Chris Hogan clearly controls a catch, takes three steps, gets hit hard, and loses the ball after he hits the ground. The officials ruled it incomplete and no challenge was made.
The Chiefs ended up winning by eight points. I am not saying Kansas City would have lost if Ryan had challenged those plays but Chiefs’ fans have to be thankful that his emotions get in the way of his brain. The win puts the Chiefs in great position for their playoff run heading into their last five games. Let’s look at the rest of the league for Week 12 and see where the Chiefs ended up in the standings.
Next: Looking at the picture