The Houston Texans faced a challenging divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, marred by controversial penalties and decisions from NFL referees that left fans and players alike frustrated. Among the most debated moments were two penalties involving hits on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with NFL referee Clay Martin addressing both incidents post-game.

One pivotal call was on Will Anderson, flagged for roughing the passer. Martin justified the decision, stating, “I had forcible contact to the facemask area and so I went with roughing the passer on that play.” Replay footage showed minimal contact to Mahomes’ head, technically validating Martin’s assessment but fueling frustration over how such calls disproportionately affect defenders. In today’s NFL, defensive players face increasingly stringent rules, and the challenge intensifies when facing a high-profile quarterback like Mahomes.

Another controversial penalty arose when a Texans defender was flagged for unnecessary roughness after a hit on Mahomes during a late slide. Martin explained, “Yes, absolutely. So, he slid, obviously, and when he slides, he is considered defenseless. The onus is on the defender. I had forcible contact there to the hairline, to the helmet.” However, many fans and analysts found this call particularly questionable. Mahomes’ slide came at the last possible moment, making it exceedingly difficult for defenders to avoid contact. Critics argue that labeling the play as unnecessary roughness feels excessive under the circumstances.

The Texans’ frustration is shared by many who believe officiating in games involving the Chiefs often tilts in their favor. Defenders are already tasked with navigating complex rules, and against Mahomes, the margin for error seems almost nonexistent. While Martin’s explanations provided clarity on the penalties, they did little to quell the broader sentiment that Chiefs games benefit from favorable officiating.