For the ninth time in ten seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs opened the year with a win following Thursday’s narrow 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Kansas City held on late, holding Baltimore scoreless on the final drive of the contest, highlighted by the officials overturning the potential game-tying touchdown from tight end Isaiah Likely as time expired. Despite the Ravens falling short late because of an off-target throw and an overturned touchdown reception, many NFL talking heads took exception to the officiating favoring the Chiefs in the regular season opener.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkhert did not mince words when sharing his thoughts postgame, claiming the league does not need to help the Chiefs win. Although the outrage comes from more than just Benkhert, the Ravens finished the game with seven penalties for 64 yards, while the Chiefs had six penalties for 45 yards.
Former NFL QB Takes Aim At Officials For Siding with the Kansas City Chiefs
According to Kurt Benkhert on his Twitter account:
I actually enjoy watching the Chiefs play football. I love their style and all of that. I don’t enjoy the refs sliders being set to 70 in favor of them. They don’t need help to win. They are one of the best teams in this league. Just call it EVEN and let the guys play.
Most notably, the NFL officials penalized the Baltimore Ravens four times on Thursday for illegal formation stemming from the alignment of tackles Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari. Meanwhile, the NFL did not call the Kansas City Chiefs for a similar infraction, although many fans clamored that Kansas City tackle Jawaan Taylor had a more egregious alignment than Stanley.
Benkert, who played in the NFL from 2018 to 2022, believes the NFL dropped the ball when implementing their plan of emphasis toward tackle alignment on Thursday. The NFL relayed to teams this offseason that an offensive tackle’s hamlet must break the center’s rear plane to be legally aligned. Nevertheless, many fans jumped in the comments of Benkert’s post, sharing their opinions on the latest NFL controversy:
Completely agree Kurt. I think if anything it hurts mahomes in legacy conversations. He doesn’t need the help, he’s unreal. But constantly getting bailed out by the referees creates a narrative that takes away from his accomplishments.
— Ted Lipzynski (@TLipzynski) September 6, 2024
So they weren’t the most penalized last year with their tackle and Sneed being two of the top 3 most penalized players? This narrative is ridiculous and you being the one continuing to complain about it is even worse. You’re better than that Kurt.
— Denis (@DeniiTF) September 6, 2024
70???? It’s on 💯
— WayneBreezie (@thewaynebreezie) September 6, 2024
Kurt, if they actually let them do that, KC would be 0-4 in Super Bowls!
— Forty Fuckin’ Niners ⛏️ (@JohnLap1977) September 6, 2024
I had 0 problem with the chiefs at all, I actually kinda liked them, before the refs started calling so much in their favor. All I ask for is fairness. If we don’t get that then it’ll done watching the league, it’s not even fun at that point if it isn’t fair
— Jonathan (@BoeJidensBurner) September 6, 2024
Lamar was terrible throwing last night. Those penalties were almost always converted after they were called. Ravens just left too many points on the table. The calls barely affected the game imo
— TREVORMOORETREVORMOORE (@scratchbgaming) September 6, 2024
Could you kindly share which plays you feel were officiated poorly so I can tell you why you’re not entirely correct. I ref football, I saw a hold called on the ravens that shouldn’t have, and I saw a late hit on mahomes that was missed. The rest were spot on
— Collin (@Collin_W1121) September 6, 2024
Need the Twitter money that bad this month, big guy?
— Mello (@TheMelloBun) September 6, 2024
So what calls did the refs make that you felt were not right or in Chiefs favor?
— Kiasports (@CoachKiaE) September 6, 2024
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