Odd officiating call against Chiefs draws rebuke: ‘NFL’s replay system is broken’

CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore had never seen anything like what happened during the Chiefs game Sunday against the Bills in Orchard Park, New York. Trailing 21-13 in the third quarter, the Chiefs had a second-and-6 play from their 44-yard line. Patrick Mahomes’ pass attempt was tipped, but he was penalized for intentional grounding. Chiefs coach Andy Reid threw his red challenge flag and let officials know that when they looked at the replay, they would see Mahomes’ pass was tipped. But referee Carl Cheffers (yeah, it was Cheffers again), said there was nothing reviewable on the play.

That was news to Steratore, the former NFL referee. “I’ve been around 30 years,” Steratore said on the broadcast, “and it’s the first time I’ve seen a play like this.“ Steratore thought the play should have been reviewable, but Cheffers and his crew didn’t agree.

What a bad call on the refs, this was a clear tipped pass no intentional grounding #Chiefs #Bills #NFL pic.twitter.com/zNKR9o2gpp

— SportsTrap (@SportsTrapX) November 2, 2025

A couple of prominent national NFL media members expressed their displeasure with Cheffers’ ruling.

Here is what Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on X.

So … no replay assist on the grounding call?

This is all so inconsistent and bizarre. Good thing the officials don’t have to go in front of the media and explain this stuff.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 2, 2025

And here is what NBC Sports’ Mike Florio shared.

The NFL’s replay system is broken.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 2, 2025

Cheffers’ name was soon trending on X as Chiefs fans lit up the referee. Here is a small (and curse-free) sample of what was said.

such bullshit to call international grounding on a tipped pass then it’s un reviewable 😂 chiefs getting hoed in buffalo. pic.twitter.com/nZl142tmlI

— unbiasedmedia (@unbiasedpicks) November 2, 2025