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The Kansas City Chiefs have been on their best behavior when it comes to committing infractions on Super Bowl Sunday. The team has reportedly gone three straight NFL championship games without having a holding penalty called against them.
It offers a stark contrast to what’s been seen in the regular season, where Kansas City was one of the league’s most penalized teams.
The franchise has played for a Lombardi trophy four of the last five seasons, posting a 3-1 overall record. Over the last three Super Bowls, the offensive line has come out spotless.
The Chiefs also led the league in holding penalties this season in case you were wondering 👀 pic.twitter.com/nyvUJsRk2W
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) February 14, 2024
The regular season has been a different story, though.
Kansas City was called for a league-high 30 holds in 2023, which bested their 24 (5th-most in NFL) from the year prior. Has there been a change in play or officiating in those playoff contests?
NFL fans were critical of missed calls against the Chiefs in SBLVIII.
Many on the San Francisco side believed there were more than a few holding calls that were missed in the Super Bowl matchup.
3rd and 10 and Donavan Smith holds again.
Not called. His second missed holding call on third down in this game. pic.twitter.com/4NNzucsS4F
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) February 12, 2024
Some came in crucial moments of the contest.
Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor might’ve gotten away with a hold here against Nick Bosa… pic.twitter.com/L9yQ5mcUvI
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 12, 2024
Those so-called misses led to frustration for San Francisco fans who watched their team fall in overtime to Mahomes and Co.