One week ago to the day the Kansas City Chiefs took down the Buffalo Bills by a final score of 32-29 to win the AFC and punch their ticket to a fifth Super Bowl in the past six seasons.
The win, however, didn’t come without a bit of controversy – and a questionable spot.
While leading 22-21 with the ball early in the 4th quarter, Buffalo faced a 4th-and-1 near midfield. Star quarterback Josh Allen attempted to pick up the first down with a quarterback sneak.
When the play was over, two different officials ran in to spot the ball in two different positions – one that would have gifted the Bills a first down and another that had the ball just short of the line to gain.
In the end, the officials decided Allen didn’t make the first down and awarded the ball to the Chiefs with a turnover on downs.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kansas City went on to score 10 points on its next two drives before eventually winning the game.
Following the controversial decision, fans called for the league to finally institute an electronic system where the first down could be measured – instead of using the chain gang.
According to a new report Mark Maske of “The Washington Post” that might become reality.
“The system, which the NFL has tested in game conditions in recent seasons, would involve the football being spotted manually by the on-field officials before the electronic system would determine whether that spot resulted in a first down,” Maske wrote.
The league reportedly wouldn’t use a chip in the ball, but the league has experimented with electronic measuring systems in the past – choosing not to use them in the regular season.
