Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes responded to the officiating debate surrounding their 23-14 divisional round victory over the Houston Texans. Two penalties called against Houston for hits on Mahomes drew significant criticism, with some accusing the referees of bias towards the Chiefs.

The first penalty occurred in the first quarter when Will Anderson Jr. was flagged for roughing the passer after contacting Mahomes in the chest area following an incomplete pass. The second came in the third quarter during a Mahomes scramble, where he slid to avoid contact but a penalty was still called.

Post-game, Houston players and coach DeMeco Ryans voiced concerns about the officiating. In a subsequent interview, Mahomes acknowledged the criticism but emphasized his focus on the game itself, stating, "I don’t really pay attention to it."

He added, "Those guys [the referees] are doing their best to make the best calls… and that’s what decides the outcome. Obviously, there was a call here or there that people didn’t agree with, but… a lot of other plays… decided the outcome."

Head referee Clay Martin explained the calls, citing "forcible contact to the face mask area" and Mahomes’ "hairline" as the reasons for the penalties. However, further controversy arose when Mahomes fell to the ground after a seemingly light hit in the fourth quarter, leading to accusations of "flopping" by fans and criticism from broadcaster Troy Aikman.

Mahomes admitted, "I probably shouldn't have done that," referring to the sideline incident where he didn't draw a flag. Regarding the other play, he explained he was simply trying to avoid a larger collision with an incoming defender.

He concluded, "I’ll try to keep doing that and not take those hits because that’s the smart way to stay in the football game."