The Texans lost because they scored fewer points than the Chiefs. Because their kicker missed an extra point and a field goal. That CJ Stroud was sacked 8 times. That they allowed a long kickoff return and did not cover the returner's fumble on the first play of the game. And probably for a few other things.
Amidst all of this, there were also two significant penalties for “brutality on the quarterback. » Clearly contentious penalties. The first for a hand from Will Anderson who touched Patrick Mahomes after a pass. The other for Houston defenders who hit Mahomes when he was sliding on an end run. And each time, the possibility for Kansas City to extend a possession and score points.
For the Texans, these two whistles clearly proved what they were waiting for.
“ We knew it was going to be us against the refs in this match“Will Anderson explained to the press.
The point was much the same for DeMeco Ryans, his coach. In a more subtle way, probably to avoid a fine.
“ We knew coming into this match that it was going to be us against everyone“Ryans explained. “ And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. »
The coach nevertheless recalled that everything was not decided there.
“ Knowing that, what we had to face, we couldn't make the mistakes we made. Whether it's special teams in coverage, in defensive coverage, on protecting our quarterback on offense. When you add that to what we had to face, it was going to be a very steep slope. […] This loss hurts because I know we are a better team than what we showed today. Coming back to the playoffs and always talking about the mistakes we made at this stage of the competition is discouraging. Because we should be past this point in the playoffs. »
Referees defend against Texans
Clay Martin, one of the referees, had the right to explain himself to a journalist.
“There was contact with the helmet grille, so I whistled brutally at the passer” the striped man explained about Anderson's hand.
And for the slide?
“He slipped, so when he slips, he is considered defenseless. It's up to the defender to avoid it. There was contact with the top of the helmet. »
