Patrick Mahomes(Image via Getty Images)
The incident happened with Kansas City leading 14-10 and facing third-and-9 near its own goal line. Harrison Butker eventually kicked a 34-yard field goal, putting the Chiefs ahead 17-10. For the Chiefs, it became another turning point in a game that ultimately kept them unbeaten at 3-0.
Because kansas City turned the extended drive into points, the penalty proved important. Because they were still in the contest at that point, for the Dolphins, the sequence was frustrating. Mahomes released a pass towards Rashee Rice before Robinson broke through the offensive line and made contact with the quarterback.
The league says pass rushers must also make an effort to avoid unnecessary contact after the quarterback releases the ball. Sherman, the former NFL cornerback and current analyst, questioned what more the defender could have done in that situation. The NFL has strict protections for quarterbacks, including rules concerning defenders landing with their full body weight. The call also sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some arguing that Robinson had little chance of stopping his momentum after making contact with Mahomes. Others pointed to the NFL’s body-weight rule as justification for the penalty.