Will Patrick Mahomes’ actions push the NFL to crack down on flopping?

Patrick Mahomes, one of the NFL’s biggest stars, has reignited a growing debate about flopping in professional football following his actions during the divisional-round matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. The game, filled with controversial calls and non-calls, has led to calls for the NFL to consider stricter rules against flopping, similar to those enforced in the NBA and NHL.

The Controversial Moment: Mahomes’ Attempted Flop

During the Chiefs’ 23-14 victory over the Texans, Patrick Mahomes drew attention for what many perceived as an exaggerated fall to try to draw a penalty. While running out of bounds in the fourth quarter, Mahomes slowed down and threw himself to the ground after a light tap from linebacker Henry To’oTo’o. Despite the dramatic display, the officials, led by referee Clay Martin, did not throw a flag.

ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback, criticized Mahomes’ actions, saying, “He’s trying to draw the penalty. Rather than just run out of bounds, he slows down.” Aikman highlighted the frustration that defensive players face in dealing with quarterbacks, who often benefit from questionable officiating.

The moment was made more controversial by an earlier call on the same drive when Mahomes benefited from a late slide that led to two Texans defenders colliding. The resulting unnecessary roughness flag gave the Chiefs a pivotal advantage, helping them score a touchdown that widened their lead in the fourth quarter.

Growing Frustration Over Officiating and Flopping

Mahomes’ attempted flop has fueled broader concerns about officiating inconsistencies and the lack of rules addressing flopping in the NFL. Earlier in the game, Texans defender Will Anderson Jr. was flagged for roughing the passer after what appeared to be incidental contact to Mahomes’ chest. NFL rules analyst Russell Yurk argued the penalty was unwarranted, stating, “It looked like that first contact was to the upper chest area. I didn’t see anything there that supported a foul.”

Aikman also took issue with a penalty called on To’oTo’o for incidental contact following Mahomes’ late slide. “He’s a runner. I could not disagree with that one more, and he barely gets hit,” Aikman said, expressing frustration that quarterbacks like Mahomes receive special protections even when acting as runners.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans joined the criticism, saying, “We knew going into today it was us versus everybody. And when I say everybody, it’s everybody.” His comments reflect the mounting belief among players and coaches that officiating inconsistencies unfairly favor certain teams and star players.

Will the NFL Introduce Anti-Flopping Rules?

Currently, the NFL does not have a specific anti-flopping rule. Players can face penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, but there are no explicit guidelines addressing exaggerated reactions to contact. Troy Aikman suggested the league adopt a rule similar to those in the NBA and NHL, where flopping can result in penalties and fines to discourage unsportsmanlike behavior.

Walt Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president of officiating, defended the controversial calls, stating they were correct under the current rulebook. However, he acknowledged that the league’s competition committee could revisit these rules during the offseason. Anderson also noted that officials are instructed to err on the side of caution, throwing flags if there is any doubt about roughing the passer.

Implementing anti-flopping rules could alleviate frustration among players, coaches, and fans, but enforcing such a rule would require officials to determine a player’s intent in real-time. This added complexity could pose challenges in an already fast-paced game.

Conclusion

Patrick Mahomes’ actions against the Texans have brought the issue of flopping to the forefront of NFL discussions. With analysts like Troy Aikman and coaches like DeMeco Ryans calling for changes, the league faces increasing pressure to address these concerns. Introducing specific rules against flopping could enhance fairness and reduce the frustration caused by inconsistent calls.

As the Chiefs advance to the conference championships, all eyes remain on Mahomes and the NFL’s response to the growing debate. Whether or not the league implements new rules, it’s clear that flopping and its impact on officiating will continue to be a topic of intense scrutiny.