Call stands for Chiefs WR on controversial play

Xavier Worthy’s controversial catch in the AFC championship game was certainly worthy of a second look.

The question is, did he actually catch it?

With 3:13 remining in the first half, Patrick Mahomes was under pressure on third-and-5 when he heaved up a prayer in the direction of Worthy and Hollywood Brown. The argument can be made that he was looking for Brown, who had a step on Taron Johnson.

However, Mahomes was falling to the ground and couldn’t step into the throw. Worthy was able to collect the ball in between two Buffalo Bills defenders, setting up a first-and-goal for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The review made that a little less clear. Buffalo’s Cole Bishop appeared to have the initial possession, which would’ve resulted in an interception. As he was falling to the ground, the ball slid into Worthy’s hands.

Either way, the ball hit the ground. Buffalo challenged, believing the pass was incomplete.

Referee Clete Blakeman’s crew opted to keep the ruling on the field after review, which was a catch.

While the holding penalty on Damar Hamlin would’ve kept the drive alive anyway, the upholding of the initial call gave the Chiefs an extra 21 yards on the play.

Instead of first-and-10 at the Buffalo 24, it was first-and-goal from the Buffalo 3.

The Chiefs went on to score a touchdown on the drive, with Mahomes punching it in with a one-yard rushing score. Kansas City took a 21-10 lead and went into halftime with a 21-16 advantage.

With arguments for and against a catch, it’s hard to fault the officiating crew for sticking with the initial ruling. Despite hitting the ground, the ball didn’t move enough to suggest either player lost possession.

Since the tie goes to the offense, Worthy was the beneficiary on that play. The Chiefs will certainly take it as well.

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