The Kansas City Chiefs saw their season come to an end on Sunday in an AFC Championship Game collapse that will certainly dominate their offseason. But even after Patrick Mahomes threw the game-turning interception in overtime, the Chiefs thought they deserved another chance.
As the Bengals were driving up the field ahead of their AFC-clinching field goal by Evan McPherson, the Chiefs wanted officials to take an extra look at the 13-yard run by Joe Mixon that set up first down from the Kansas City 12.
The Chiefs thought that Mixon went down untouched and dropped the ball. The clear recovery from the Chiefs defense meant that there could have been a turnover on a wild technicality.
MIXON rompiendo tackleadas 😱😨#NFLEspañol #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/aWGzM1fNA9
— NFL en Español (@NFLEspanol) January 30, 2022
The Chiefs did have somewhat of a case because it did look like Mixon wasn’t touched by the defense on the run. But the officials opted not to review the play because, according to Andy Reid, they thought Mixon gave himself up before dropping the ball.
The referees told Andy Reid that Joe Mixon gave himself up on the potential overtime fumble. Therefore, no review.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 30, 2022
It was close, but Mixon treated the play as if it was over and the whistle did sound. The officials didn’t think there was enough to even review, and honestly that was the right decision. Could you imagine if the AFC championship was decided on that call? It would have been terrible.