Chiefs lose touchdown by failing to challenge circus catch by Tyreek Hill that was ruled incomplete
The Kansas City Chiefs appeared to leave points on the field Sunday night in their game against the division-rival Denver Broncos when coach Andy Reid failed to challenge a wild play involving wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Tied 3-3 and facing third-and-10 at the Broncos' 40-yard line, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes uncorked a deep ball for the speedy Hill, who had a step on defender A.J. Bouye. But the All-Pro wide receiver couldn't reel in the pass as the ball popped up into the air and the pass was ruled incomplete as it appeared to fall next to Hill and Bouye.
That was the call on the field anyway. In actuality, the ball never hit the ground. When the ball came back down after initially getting popped up it landed on Hill's body, secured just enough by his left arm as he laid on the ground after getting taken down by Bouye.
Because it was not ruled a touchdown, the play needed to be challenged by Reid to be reversed to a touchdown. Hill himself did not protest the incomplete call and clearly Reid did not receive guidance from his staff to throw the challenge flag until it was too late – the Chiefs punted the ball back to Denver, losing their chance to challenge the play.
Naturally, the Broncos' ensuing possession turned into a touchdown that gave the visitors at Arrowhead Stadium a 10-3 lead.
Reid said postgame that his decision to not throw the challenge flag was due to Hill telling him he believed he did not catch the ball.
"I never had a receiver say he didn't catch the ball," Reid said. "That was a new experience for me. I'll try to do better."
Luckily for the Chiefs, they were not ultimately hurt by their failure to challenge the call. They went on to win 22-16, securing a playoff spot in the process and making Hill's should-have-been-a-touchdown catch a happy little footnote.
If you enjoy talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!