The focal point of discussions surrounding Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season revolved around a critical play in the late fourth quarter during the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills matchup. Despite trailing for most of the game, the Chiefs seemed to secure a late lead when quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with tight end Travis Kelce, who lateraled to wide receiver Kadarius Toney for what appeared to be a touchdown.
However, the jubilation at Arrowhead Stadium turned to frustration when it was revealed that Toney had lined up offsides, resulting in a crucial penalty that cost the Chiefs the game, ending in a 20-17 loss and diminishing their chances for the AFC’s top playoff seed.
While the correctness of the call was apparent due to Toney’s clear offsides position, both Mahomes and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed their discontent during postgame press conferences. Reid argued that referees typically issue a warning to the head coach when a player is lined up offsides, emphasizing that immediate penalties are not always the norm for certain pre-snap infractions.
In response to this aspect of the Toney play and pre-snap penalty warnings in general, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed the issue during an interview with WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday morning. Belichick acknowledged that the approach to warnings might vary among officiating crews and suggested consulting the officials themselves for insights into how the game should be officiated, emphasizing that it’s their responsibility.
Referee Carl Cheffers, who officiated the Chiefs-Bills game, responded to the question of warnings during a post-game interview with a pool reporter. Cheffers clarified that officials do provide alignment advice if sought, but players are ultimately responsible for their positioning on the field.
Imagine if this play didn't get called back 🤯
(via @nfl)pic.twitter.com/9etYotrxxX
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 11, 2023
He noted that no warning is required, especially when players line up so far offsides that it obstructs the officials’ view of the ball. In the case of Toney, the extreme nature of his offsides position warranted an immediate penalty without a warning, as elaborated by Cheffers.
Examining all available angles, it becomes evident that Toney’s offsides infraction was not marginal; he was significantly beyond the acceptable boundary. In situations where a player is just slightly offsides, a warning might be deemed fair, but Toney’s egregious positioning left no room for leniency, aligning with Cheffers’ explanation.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs have a favorable matchup against the struggling Patriots in their next game. The Patriots, currently sitting at the bottom of the AFC standings with a 3-10 record, provide an opportunity for the Chiefs to bounce back from the setback and improve their playoff positioning.
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