Might NFL think Patrick Mahomes is a master of flopping like Lebron James?
The NFL’s officiating has been under intense scrutiny, especially regarding roughing the passer penalties. A recent playoff game involving Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs has reignited debate over whether quarterbacks are manipulating the rules to their advantage. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the NFL is considering expanding its replay assist system to review QB slides and roughing calls, a move that could significantly impact how penalties are enforced. This development raises an intriguing question—has Mahomes reached LeBron James-level flopping status?
NFL to Expand Replay Review for Roughing the Passer Calls
According to Adam Schefter, the NFL is expected to modify its replay assist system next season, allowing officials to review quarterback slides and roughing the passer penalties. This decision comes after a controversial call in favor of Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ playoff victory over the Houston Texans.
During the game, former quarterback and current broadcaster Troy Aikman criticized the ruling, arguing that quarterbacks shouldn’t be able to “run around and play games with defenders” only to draw a flag when they finally go down. His comments fueled further debate over whether Mahomes is exaggerating contact to gain an unfair advantage, similar to how LeBron James has been accused of flopping in the NBA.
Are Quarterbacks Like Mahomes Exploiting the Rules?
The concept of flopping in sports is nothing new. In basketball, LeBron James has often been criticized for embellishing contact to draw fouls. In soccer, diving to earn penalties is a common strategy. Now, some believe that NFL quarterbacks, particularly Patrick Mahomes, are finding ways to manipulate roughing penalties in their favor.
While defenders are expected to avoid unnecessary contact with quarterbacks, they struggle with the inconsistency of NFL officiating. Some hits that appear legal and clean are penalized, while others that seem more dangerous go unpunished. This inconsistency frustrates defensive players, coaches, and analysts, many of whom believe that superstar quarterbacks receive preferential treatment when it comes to roughing the passer calls.
The Best Players Always Influence Rule Changes
Throughout sports history, dominant athletes have often forced rule changes due to their overwhelming impact on the game. Michael Jordan influenced defensive regulations in the NBA, while Tom Brady played a key role in stricter quarterback protection rules after his 2008 injury. Now, it seems that Patrick Mahomes is having a similar effect on the NFL’s officiating policies.
The fact that the league is willing to expand replay review for roughing penalties suggests that the controversy surrounding Mahomes and other top quarterbacks is being taken seriously. While some view this as an effort to deter flopping, others see it as a necessary step to improve fairness and consistency in officiating.
Is Being Compared to LeBron James a Bad Thing?
For Patrick Mahomes, being accused of flopping is probably not a comparison he enjoys. However, being mentioned alongside LeBron James—one of the greatest athletes of all time—certainly isn’t the worst thing either. Like LeBron, Mahomes is a game-changing talent who forces defenses (and now the league) to adjust.
As the NFL reviews its instant replay rules, the debate over roughing the passer penalties will continue. Whether Mahomes is truly taking advantage of the system or simply playing smart football, one thing is clear: his influence on the game is undeniable. And just like LeBron in the NBA, Mahomes will continue to shape how the NFL officiates its biggest stars.
