Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles Blames Officials for Loss Against Arizona

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was vocal in front of the media following Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. According to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com, Charles blamed the officiating, which translated into a loss for the Chiefs.

"The reason why we lost is the refs didn't go our way," Charles said. 

Charles referred to the fumble call on tight end Travis Kelce as "just crazy," according to the same article.

On 3rd-and-10 from Arizona's 19-yard line late in the third quarter, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith held the ball for seven seconds while dodging defenders, waiting for an opening to develop downfield. Tight end Anthony Fasano was wide open in the end zone as Smith threw to him for a touchdown.

However, the officials penalized Fasano for offensive pass interference, which nullified the touchdown score. On the following play, Smith threw an interception to defensive lineman Alex Okafor, which allowed the Cardinals to form a quick touchdown drive.

On a brief four-play drive in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs produced 53 yards within a minute and a half, including two big catch-and-run plays for Kelce. Kelce gained 19 yards, bringing the Chiefs to the 22-yard line.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians believed Kelce fumbled and threw the challenge flag. Though it was expected Arians lost a challenge and his last timeout, the replay official saw a different angle and ruled the play a fumble, which was recovered by Arizona.

Although there were some questionable calls from the officials, it certainly was not the sole reason for Kansas City’s loss.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk reported Monday morning that the NFL head of officiating defend the officiating crew. Dean Blandino, Vice President of NFL Officiating, told the NFL Network this morning that Kelce lost possession of the football before touching the ground and never re-gained possession.

Keep in mind, the Chiefs had a 14-6 lead at halftime and were shut out 11-0 in the second half during Arizona’s march to a comeback win. In addition, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave the ball to Charles only 12 times, which has been a recurring issue throughout the season. Kansas City’s defense, despite dropping three interceptions, allowed only one touchdown, forced the Cardinals to attempt five field goals—making just three of them—and made Arizona punt three times in the fourth quarter.

It is understandable if fans want to criticize the officials, but it surely was not the reason the Chiefs lost after there were plenty of opportunities for the offense to strike while the defense limited Drew Stanton and the Cardinals offense to just 17 points.

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