A controversial call that enraged fans online and NFL watchers everywhere (outside of Kansas City, that is) has prompted calls for league officials to make major rule changes that other sports have already embraced.
With a 0ne-point lead and a crucial 4th & 1, Bills QB Josh Allen failed to convert (or, at least, seemingly failed to) the first down. The play was critical since the Chiefs were awarded the ball, scored on the ensuing possession, and never looked back as they eeked out a three-point win and punched their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy was so disgusted that he vowed to “quit football” and never watch again.
I’m quitting watching football. There is no other way to teach @nflcommish a lesson. This is blatant cheating. #nflrigged pic.twitter.com/fGzya6LOQX
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) January 27, 2025
Especially aggravating was the fact that the side official seemed to believe Allen made the line-to-gain, while the near side official marked him short and spotted the ball without seeming to confer with the official on the other side.
The bizarre sequence and extreme consequences prompted many to say there must be a better way.
the key 4th down in slow motion
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 27, 2025
I don’t know if he got this (I think he did)
but there must be a better way to spot the ball
the ref who is completely blocked & is standing on the Chiefs sideline runs in & overrules the spot and marks it short
no way he can see the ball pic.twitter.com/cu9cSRxADB
As it turns out, there is a better way.
“The technology exists to do it right,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote. “The only question is whether the NFL will make the leap — and write the check. The ball needs to be equipped with digital components that will allow for an exact measurement as to whether a player scored a touchdown or, as it relates to Sunday night’s AFC Championship, whether a first down was gained.”
Fans on social media quickly pointed out that other sports have already embraced this technology.
It’s wild to me that TENNIS has this kind of technology to rule a ball in or out, but the NFL every single week continues to allow refs to ruin calls and sometimes even games
— Gunz (@TheGunzShow) January 27, 2025
You mean to tell me that the NFL can’t figure out a way to do this? Or putting a chip on the ball? pic.twitter.com/qTafIYF2fM
So if golf can track the spin, launch angle, distance, of a ball going 150mph….
— Joey Harrington (@joey3harrington) January 27, 2025
And tennis can flawlessly have a computer make line calls…
Why can’t we put a chip in the ball and stop relying on humans to spot the ball? Seems like too big of a moment to rely on the human eye
Bingo
— Joey Harrington (@joey3harrington) January 27, 2025
For a league that prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and innovation, it’s astonishing that the NFL is so behind the curve in this crucial area. Especially considering you could argue the NFL has more need for this technology than anyone, given the speed of the game and the fact that officials – frequently – cannot see where the ball is.
The last time a playoff game between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes ended in controversy, they changed the overtime rules. Maybe the NFL will finally act and do the right thing here.
