The NFL is poised to expand its replay assist rules, a move that could impact controversial calls such as those often involving Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
League sources revealed on Saturday that the potential changes, expected this offseason, might include reviewing plays related to quarterback slides.
The league introduced replay assist in 2021 to improve officiating by allowing replay officials and designated members of the officiating team to weigh in on clear and obvious errors during games.
Currently, replay assist can address specific calls such as the spot of the ball, complete or incomplete passes, and out-of-bounds rulings.
In 2024, the league expanded the scope of replay assist further, enabling it to address flagged penalties, such as hits on players heading out of bounds, blows to the head of quarterbacks, and certain elements of intentional grounding.
Now, quarterback slides may soon join the list of reviewable plays.
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The controversial play that sparked discussion
The push for expanded replay assist comes after a controversial moment in last weekend’s AFC Divisional Playoff game. During the third quarter, Mahomes scrambled out of the pocket and slid beneath two lunging Houston Texans defenders. Despite minimal contact, the Texans were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.
The call drew widespread criticism, including from ESPN analyst Troy Aikman, who expressed frustration during the telecast.
“Oh come on,” Aikman exclaimed after the penalty was called. “I mean, he’s a runner, and I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit.”
Aikman added that the NFL needs to address this type of situation in the offseason.
“You can’t, as a quarterback, run around and play games with the defenders and then get called for a penalty.”
Despite the controversy, Mahomes dismissed the idea that the Chiefs benefit from biased officiating.
“I don’t feel that way,” Mahomes said. “At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can. All you can do is go out there and play the game that you love as hard as you can and live with the results.
“I feel like I’ve just continued to play the game, and I just try to win, and whatever happens kind of happens.”