The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 23-14 during the Divisional Round. The game did not display Mahomes’ brightest moments with 177 yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 93.5. Mahomes added another feather to his cap by tying, but he won his 16th postseason match to match Joe Montana’s record. Talk about elite companies. The Chiefs’ fans saw Travis Kelce establish his position as Patrick Mahomes’ top receiving target when he scored 117 yards on seven catches with one touchdown. The defense stepped up their game by sacking rookie Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud eight times. Despite winning the game, Chiefs Kingdom supporters had to deal with discussions about the referees and Mahomes’ acting.

Rob Gronkowski, 4-time Super Bowl champ and FOX Sports analyst, didn’t hold back in his critique of the situation. “I also know how the Bills can win: when they sack Patrick Mahomes, just touch him; don’t do anything more…don’t throw em too hard down on the ground.”

“I can say it because I got no calls. I was getting held left and right… I’m allowed to say it. Maybe Tom’s not allowed to say it, but I’m allowed to say it!” The legend himself, Brady faced performance struggles like everyone else. During his game against the New York Jets, Tom Brady tried a theatrical performance. Following light contact, Brady staged an elaborate fall that combined rolling motions with arm flailing and ground slapping. Brady delivered a great acting display, but the referees refused to give him the benefit of the doubt. Brady stood back up from the play unsure if he needed better acting skills.

Brady showed his competitive nature by taking a small benefit despite the risk. His failed attempt to influence the referees led to discussions about famous quarterbacks who use their fame for game advantage. Whether it was gamesmanship or desperation, one thing was clear: Brady showed his determination by giving everything to secure victory.

While Rob Gronkowski did not use the act of falling to attract penalties. Despite his large physical build, Gronkowski established his reputation through sheer force instead of technical skill. But that doesn’t mean Gronk avoided controversy. During a match against the Buffalo Bills, Gronkowski hit Tre’Davious White late. The referees punished Gronk for his aggressive behavior against Tre’Davious White through an unnecessary roughness penalty. The way Gronkowski handled controversies showed his strong emotional reactions and physical actions. He said, “I wasn’t flopping; I was just frustrated,” because defenders held him too often.

Gronk dedicated himself completely to practice, unlike Brady, who performed small theater acts. Each player took risks but did so through distinct methods. Brady did the flop as an intellectual strategy, but Gronk attacked because his physical strength made him do so. Fans now discuss if success comes from careful strategy or brute strength in their style of play.

Flopping or finessing? Patrick Mahomes faces criticism

The game had just started when referee Clay Martin issued Will Anderson Jr. a roughing of the passer penalty. His crime? Referee Clay Martin declared a penalty due to chest contact during an incomplete pass, & in it Anderson appeared to push Mahomes in the chest, and so he was flagged. The Texans fan base protested against the refereeing team on Twitter. Also, Mahomes tried to escape during the third quarter but slid and triggered an additional penalty against the Texans for roughing the quarterback. He moved to his right and then back to his left when he decided to slide. 

According to ESPN’s Troy Aikman, “He’s trying to draw the penalty. Rather than just run out of bounds, he slows down. And that’s been the frustration, and I get it. I understand it. That’s been the frustration for these defensive players around the league.” According to Mahomes during his broadcast, defensive players have struggled with this issue throughout the match. The cherry on top? During the fourth quarter, Mahomes took a hit that many thought wasn’t real and it started the “flop-gate.”

During his interview on 96.5 The Fan, Mahomes confessed that he knew his last play was a mistake. “I‘ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, something’s going to come out about it if you win and you continue to win. So, I don’t really pay attention to it,” Mahomes said.

“I mean, obviously I’ve been on both sides of it as far as how I felt the calls were made, but, at the end of the day, man, those guys are doing their best to make the best calls and keep it to where the players are making the plays in the game.” He said he “probably shouldn’t have done that.” After the Chiefs won the game, the NFL needs to address how referees enforce rules about acting and keep competitions fair. People who love and play football want fairer game rules. Players and fans question if faking injuries helps gain advantages or breaks competitive sports rules.

As Mahomes gears up for yet another AFC Championship game, one thing is certain: People both like and dislike him, but everyone agrees he knows how to win football games. Through precise passes to Travis Kelce and strategic falls, Patrick Mahomes keeps creating new NFL memories along with his famous antics.