Tom Brady defends refs after heavy backlash in AFC title game
The Kansas City Chiefs will head to Super Bowl LVII after their 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game. They will take on the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFL's top prize.
Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning field goal with seconds to spare after being set up 15 yards closer following a personal foul from Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai.
While the refs made the right call on that play, their officiating was questionable the entire game, with most fans believing they were favoring the Chiefs.
Tom Brady addressed the matter on his podcast, "Let's Go," with Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray.
Brady gave the benefit of the doubt to the referees, saying it was impossible to get every call right.
"There's always holding and it's just the way sports are. You know, it's just another thing for us to get emotional about. The refs got a tough job. What are they going to get every call right? And is there anyone 100% in their job? It's a hard job to do. They're making decisions in a millisecond. This is what I believe."
He added:
"Was it clear? Was it obvious? And was it prolonged? If it meets those criteria, penalty. Holding, defensive illegal contact, offensive pass interference, you know, it can be clear, but it can be quick and it doesn't really affect the play that much. You know, some people go in and it's not the same ref all the time. And that's okay. They're humans. We're all different."
The questionable officiating during the AFC title game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals
There were many questionable calls in the AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and Bengals.
On one play, the Chiefs were given a “do-over” on third down.
Referee claims there was a whistle that stopped the play that no one heard?!? Chiefs are granted another 3rd down. You can clearly hear the starting whistle and ending whistle. Also you can see 10 seconds added to play clock. Why did the play need to end?Chiefs vs Bengals twitter.com/lexusmexicano/… https://t.co/qrIycGMRVM
In another instance, there wasn't a roughing the passer penalty call on Joe Burrow
@NFL Why wasn’t roughing the passer called here on @Bengals QB Joe Burrow? @JoeyB #NFLrigged #AFCChampionshipGame twitter.com/hotdish_cole/s…
With the game tied and 4:32 left on the clock, the Bengals were called for a questionable pass interference on third down as cornerback Mike Hilton lightly grabbed Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Tie game 4:48 left. Chiefs would've been facing a crucial 3rd down. Refs flag Hilton for pass interference. Yes I see his hand on MVS's back, but he doesn't hook him and he doesn't turn him. This is perfect coverage. ALSO Gene Salvatore agreed, bad call. #Bengals #rigged twitter.com/Rob_Shenanigan… https://t.co/mUiYDy8eNM
Another instance in the game where the refs messed up was when they missed a holding call with 17 seconds left as Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was being held by a Chiefs offensive lineman.
Refs missed a holding call on the 3rd and 4 play with 0:17 left in the Chiefs V Bengals game. This would’ve been huge because it would’ve offset the personal foul call, forcing a longer field goal. #Chiefs #bengals #refs https://t.co/rLQrs1mCMo
The refs cannot get every call correct, but Bengals fans have every right to be furious with how the AFC Championship game was officiated.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Tom Brady, Let's Go, and H/T Sportskeeda.