Overview
- Late in the fourth quarter of Chiefs–Commanders, Newton was penalized for throwing Mahomes to the ground after the quarterback had been wrapped up, giving Kansas City a first down.
- Aikman said, “When it comes to quarterbacks, especially this one, they’re gonna protect them,” suggesting Mahomes receives added protection from officials.
- Play-by-play partner Joe Buck immediately disagreed on air, describing the ruling as an easy call under current rules.
- Coverage used the exchange to revisit perceptions that Mahomes and the Chiefs sometimes benefit from soft roughing-the-passer calls.
- Outlets noted that evolving quarterback-safety rules shape how such hits are judged today, and the flag stood with no indication of league review.