In a competitive game like Week 14's showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, you'd think there would be plenty of plays to focus upon that actually counted or stood as official—so much so that anything that didn't matter or count would be left unattended. But in this instance, it was the best play of the game and maybe the season for the Chiefs.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were driving on the Buffalo Bills while down three points, 20-17. The Chiefs were driving when Patrick Mahomes went back to throw a pass to tight end Travis Kelce. It was a beautiful strike for a major gain to put the Chiefs well within striking distance on a field goal to tie and a good chance to go ahead, but then Kelce added the cherry on top.
Check out the play below:
Oh my God, Travis Kelce tossed it to Kadarius Toney, who goes in for the go-ahead touchdown, BUT Toney was offsides on the play.pic.twitter.com/BrdrF6SmBH
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 11, 2023
Yeah that's a beautiful lateral by Kelce to Kadarius Toney for a long touchdown—a 25-yard pass before a 24-yard lateral for a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Suddenly Arrowhead Stadium was electric, the Chiefs were 9-4, and things were all right again. Until they weren't.
Of course, Toney lined up in the neutral zone and the refs called it back and the entire thing collapsed after the Chiefs turned the ball over on downs two plays later. Andy Reid wasn't happy about it after the game and said he usually gets a heads-up from the refs.
Andy Reid on the Toney offsides: "Usually I get a warning before something like that happens. A bit embarrassing in the National Football League for that to take place." -- clarified "I didn't have a protractor out there, but a bit embarrassing." #Chiefs
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) December 11, 2023
Just like that, the Chiefs were 8-5 with a shrinking division lead and a slim chance to grab any first-round bye. It was the difference between another week of questions or confidence for the Chiefs with reporters. Willie Gay said it best.
“It was a historic play that got wiped out.” - #chiefs LB Willie Gay.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 11, 2023
While it didn't count, for those of us who saw it take place, at least we can cling to that moment of joy before turning our attention to the Patriots in Week 15.