NFL to Consider Changes to Replay Assist Rules Following Mahomes Slide Incident

Troy Aikman has voiced that the NFL needs to address penalties similar to the one Patrick Mahomes drew with his controversial slide last weekend. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it seems he is getting his wish.

The league is anticipated to expand replay assist this offseason to cover plays that could include the quarterback slide. Replay assist, which involves remote officials assisting with on-field calls, was introduced before the 2021 season. It was expanded prior to the season to manage situations such as fouls for hits on players going out of bounds, contact to the quarterback's hands, and intentional grounding. Now, the quarterback slide may be added to these scenarios, particularly following Mahomes' significant play during the divisional round against the Houston Texans.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback made headlines when he scrambled, slid, and drew contact from two Texans defenders, resulting in an unnecessary roughness penalty despite minimal actual contact.

Aikman was critical of the situation, as was ESPN’s rules analyst Russell Yurk, along with the broader NFL fanbase, and notably, the Texans organization.

Aikman expressed his discontent, specifically regarding Mahomes attempting to draw a flag later in the drive, which led to a touchdown for the Chiefs in their 23-14 victory. Mahomes later admitted to exaggerating the play to draw the foul.

As Aikman indicated, the flag Mahomes received was among several contentious calls against the Texans that game, fueling ongoing debates about whether the Chiefs enjoy preferential treatment from officials due to Mahomes' and the team's stature, reminiscent of discussions surrounding Tom Brady.

Nonetheless, the NFL has indicated it may reconsider how it regulates, particularly plays like Mahomes' slide. NFL officiating and rules analyst Walt Anderson has stood by the call, stating that Mahomes' helmet movement justified the unnecessary roughness penalty. He also noted that there would be "conversations" this offseason about how such penalties are interpreted.

Quarterback slides have increasingly become a contentious topic in rule discussions over recent years, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also being a prominent figure related to fake slides. Fans often express frustration when a quarterback gains significant yards from minimal contact or when another quarterback manipulates the rules to their advantage. However, the NFL tends to prioritize the protection of its most pivotal position.

In the meantime, the Chiefs and Bills are set to face off in the AFC Championship Game at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.