The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 3-0 on the season with their 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. The game was a back-and-forth affair for most of the first half, and Kansas City entered halftime trailing 14-13. They were able, however, to outscore the Falcons 8-3 in the second half, thanks in large part to a Patrick Mahomes touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster (Harrison Butker missed the extra point, drawing an interesting response from fans on social media).
As is the case most games involving the Chiefs, accusations of the game being rigged in their favor flowed freely on social media. This was especially true for one particular play late in the fourth quarter.
Kansas City Chiefs Safety Bryan Cook May Have Gotten Away with Pass Interfrence
Towards the end of the game, with the Chiefs up 22-17, the Falcons marched down the field and put themselves into a position where they could take the lead.
On the play in question, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins zipped a pass to tight end Kyle Pitts in the endzone. Chiefs safety Bryan Cook was in coverage and made a play. Some would say he made a play on the ball. Others would say that he interfered with Pitts.
The referees, obviously, felt that Cook made a play on the ball and did not throw a flag for defensive pass interference.
Tough look for this not to be DPI on the #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/tKhZxK33cm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 23, 2024
The no-call enraged fans on social media, many of whom claimed that the NFL is rigging games in favor of Kansas City so that they can win a third-consecutive Super Bowl, an accomplishment no team has ever achieved.
Some of these fans went as far as to blame someone who was not even at the game.
NFL Fans Blame Taylor Swift for the Kansas City Chiefs “Getting Away” with Penalties
For the first time this season, 14-time Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift was not present to watch her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs play. Her presence at games has caused a stir ever since the pair made their relationship public last year.
Many fans enjoy seeing Swift on television while others are angered that networks dare show her for a measly 10-20 seconds during a three-hour game.
Ironically, those that rage about Swift’s presence at Chiefs games were the ones talking about her Sunday night, despite the fact that she was not even there:
Do the Chiefs always get bailed out by the refs? Seems like it! Another week, another no-call on a clear penalty. It’s ridiculous! And with Taylor Swift’s boyfriend on the team, it’s all too convenient! Time for some fairness in the NFL! #NFL #RefsNeedToBeBetter #Swifties #Trump https://t.co/M9ZvG0lctV
— Meloo_1090 (@meloo_1090) September 23, 2024
The evidence is overwhelming. State Farm and the Taylor Swift industrial complex have rigged the NFL to favor the Chiefs. https://t.co/mOi8JaWNRV
— Adam from Price Hill (@still_hustling) September 23, 2024
Taylor Swift called the @nfl & said make sure my baby doesn’t lose. And they said “Bet!”
— Mr Wunderkind (@TopherMiyagi) September 23, 2024
The NFL is determined to get a Chiefs 3 peat. It heats up the Brady vs Mahomes debate even more. No team has ever done it. More Taylor Swift. All of this equals more ratings which means more money. We can cry about the refs all day, it won’t change anything. #KCvsATL
— Romeo Hughes (@RCHughes8) September 23, 2024
Taylor Swift effect. Chiefs will probably go 20-0 and break the Dolphins undefeated record.
— ATL4Life 2021 World Series Champions! (@Fearthechop10) September 23, 2024
As one can see, these fans believe that the NFL has rigged games for the Chiefs to win to either please Swift (for some reason) or because they want more ratings with her at the game.
The problem with these accusations, of course, is that they are ridiculous. While the lack of a call for defensive pass interference was frustrating, the fact of the matter is that the Falcons had other chances to win the game.
Any coach will say that no team should ever put themselves in a position where they allow a call, or lack thereof, to affect the outcome of the game.
The Falcons did that and, unfortunately or them, it ended with a Chiefs victory.
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