After any NFL team suffers defeat, especially in the playoffs, their fans are usually extra critical of that game’s officials.
While there were many opportunities for the Cincinnati Bengals to beat the Kansas City Chiefs last night, they ultimately came up short.
Now, many Bengals fans are pointing to a few moments when the referees appeared to be calling the game in favor of the Chiefs.
Frank Clark takes three steps here after Joe Burrow releases the ball.
This was as blatant as the Ossai hit and wasn’t called.
I hate complaining about officiating. It isn’t fun. But you can’t deny tonight’s crew’s incompetence impacted the game.
pic.twitter.com/jYWBAGYXJm— Matt Edwards (@MattEdwards) January 30, 2023
Frank Clark is one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL.
In this clip, he takes several steps toward Joe Burrow after he released the ball, causing Burrow to fall on his back.
Burrow was under constant duress last night, a direct result of the Bengals missing several starting offensive linemen.
On this particular drive, the Chiefs stopped the Bengals short of a first down, causing them to punt.
However, if this play was called like Bengals fans would have liked, the Chiefs would have been flagged for roughing the passer, giving the Bengals 15 yards.
Could that penalty have swayed the game in favor of the Bengals?
In the eyes of Bengals fans, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Ultimately, last night’s contest was filled with not-ideal calls for both sides.
Because the Bengals lost, their fans have been more vocal on the officiating side than Chiefs fans have, at least on social media.
How will the NFL respond to this controversy?
Officiating has been under fire at various points throughout this season, and having key mistakes in the AFC Championship is just the icing on the proverbial cake.
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