KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 29: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes got widely praised for his heroic performance against the Cincinnati Bengals as he was basically playing on one leg.

However, one coach came away unimpressed with his behavior on one play that changed the outcome of the game. As we all saw, Mahomes was shoved by Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai on the final drive, which resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty. However, not many seemed to realize that Mahomes had a little flop in there to make sure that flag was thrown.

An NFC defensive coach brought up that issue with Mike Sando of The Athletic.

“That is what the owners want, $40 million skill players flopping on the ground, drawing fouls from [part-time officials who double as] chemistry teachers, medical device salesmen, and the like,” this anonymous coach told Sando.

His flop may have been crazy, but it doesn’t take away from Ossai hitting way late out of bounds. He should’ve known better not to touch the quarterback at the time. It was obvious Mahomes was headed out of bounds.

 

The 15-yard penalty set up the winning 45-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, and Ossai subsequently was caught by television cameras crying on the sidelines.

Now, the Bengals are headed to Cancun, the Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl, and whatever NFC coach made his comments will be watching Mahomes from his couch.