Twitter reacts to Andy Reid’s refusal to challenge a fumble
By Matt Conner
Early in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, one play had Chiefs Kingdom frustrated by Andy Reid’s refusal to call for a replay—via the ole coach’s challenge flag—for what ended up to be a very clear fumble in the first quarter.
As the Chiefs defense was attempting to keep the Eagles from moving the ball down the field at will (which is another issue entirely), the Chiefs seemed to create a turnover from running back Kenneth Gainwell. Given the way the defense looked, it was the sort of opportunistic play the Chiefs are going to need to generate wins in a year like this—at least until more starters are healthy.
Yet somehow, the fumble wasn’t initially called. The Eagles were smart and ran back up to the line to try to hurry up and get the next play off, but there was still plenty of time for broadcast replays to show that Gainwell had lost the ball before his knee hit the ground, and that the Chiefs should have recovered something there.
Just like that, the Eagles were able to regain the momentum they’d lost (not that they’ve had problems moving the chains at all on Sunday) and Dallas Goedert ended up scoring his first touchdown to complete the drive. As for the Chiefs, the defense continued to collapse for the rest of the first half after missing out on such an opportunity.
If you were yelling at your television (or phone) after the play wondering where the challenge was at, you weren’t alone. All of Twitter seemed to light up as well.
Even before seeing that play in slow motion, I was in complete disbelief Andy Reid did not challenge that fumble. Yikes
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) October 3, 2021
Tremendous job by Eagles getting that play off. I think Gainwell might've fumbled.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) October 3, 2021
It was obvious on the replay Gainwell fumbled, but the Chiefs, despite having 20 seconds to challenge, did nothing
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 3, 2021
Andy Reid doesn't challenge an obvious fumble and Chiefs recovery on the goal line. Adds to his great game and clock management legacy.
— Nick Canepa (@sdutCanepa) October 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/si3mo/status/1444719672201469954
Horrible job by Andy Reid not to challenge the fumble. Just giving points away.
— JC (@JCookDC) October 3, 2021
That non-challenge on the fumble is 100% on Andy Reid and is just another instance of this team being a mess this season.
— Jeremy Sickel (@JeremySickel) October 3, 2021
The Bafoon Andy Reid didn't challenge the Fumble because you get to take challenges home with you? #ChiefsKingdom
— BluejayBuckets (@BluejayBuckets) October 3, 2021
At least some people were able to keep things in perspective. We love Andy Reid. We really do. And we would never want to have it any other way, but it was a missed opportunity all the same.
And of course, it’s also important to note that Andy Reid failing to challenge a fumble is just one of many issues on display.
Defense can't line up, special teams fumbling, defense can't tackle, Andy Reid not challenging a fumble. These dudes are embarrassing. #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom
— Leon Flowers Sr. (@leonfl24) October 3, 2021
Then again, we’re writing all of this when the Chiefs are up by 8 points at halftime and they get the ball back after halftime. Guess things could be worse.
Next. Five players who can help themselves in Week 4. dark