Patrick Mahomes’ controversial penalty break has NFL fans questioning the league’s rules

Richard Sherman has questioned a controversial roughing-the-passer call that helped the Kansas City Chiefs extend their lead over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. With Miami still within striking distance, Chop Robinson was flagged after hitting Patrick Mahomes late in the third quarter. The decision quickly drew attention because Robinson appeared to make an effort to avoid putting his full weight on the quarterback.Richard Sherman questions Chop Robinson’s penalty on Patrick MahomesThe incident happened with Kansas City leading 14-10 and facing third-and-9 near its own goal line. Mahomes released a pass towards Rashee Rice before Robinson broke through the offensive line and made contact with the quarterback.Robinson struck Mahomes around the chest and then fell over him as the play ended. The officials ruled that the defender landed on Mahomes with his body weight and called roughing the passer, giving Kansas City 15 yards and a fresh set of downs.The decision became controversial because Robinson did not appear to target Mahomes’ head or neck. He also extended his arms towards the ground as he fell, seemingly trying to reduce the impact.Sherman, the former NFL cornerback and current analyst, questioned what more the defender could have done in that situation.“Not sure what else the defender can do to avoid the Roughing call other than not trying to make the play,” Sherman wrote on X, sharing a clip of the hit.The NFL has strict protections for quarterbacks, including rules concerning defenders landing with their full body weight. The league says pass rushers must also make an effort to avoid unnecessary contact after the quarterback releases the ball.Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs benefit from controversial callThe penalty proved important because Kansas City turned the extended drive into points. Harrison Butker eventually kicked a 34-yard field goal, putting the Chiefs ahead 17-10.Mahomes later connected with Travis Kelce for a touchdown, helping Kansas City pull away and finish with a 24-10 victory. Mahomes completed 20 of 24 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns.The call also sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some arguing that Robinson had little chance of stopping his momentum after making contact with Mahomes. Others pointed to the NFL's body-weight rule as justification for the penalty.For the Dolphins, the sequence was frustrating because they were still in the contest at that point. For the Chiefs, it became another turning point in a game that ultimately kept them unbeaten at 3-0.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.