In last Saturday’s playoff game between the Texans and Chiefs, two controversial penalties were called for hits on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
One was for roughing the passer, and the other for unnecessary roughness after a late slide.
However, neither of the penalties resulted in fines. The NFL decided not to fine Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. for the roughing the passer penalty in the first quarter.
Similarly, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o were not fined for their hit on Mahomes after he slid in the second half.
Patrick Mahomes in the team practiceThese fouls led to criticism of the officials for possible bias toward the Chiefs.
The absence of fines suggests that, after reviewing the film, the NFL concluded that the hits did not deserve punishment, implying the penalties may have been called incorrectly.
According to the roughing the passer rule, officials are required to throw a flag even if they aren’t sure the foul occurred.
However, both Anderson and Texans running back Joe Mixon were fined for their comments about the officiating after the game.
