Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles: we lost because 'the refs didn't go our way'
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles blamed the officials for his team's loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, referring to some of their calls as "just crazy," according to ESPN.
Two calls in particular drew the attention of Kansas City. In the third quarter, a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty. In the fourth quarter, tight end Travis Kelce was ruled to have fumbled a catch made at the Arizona 23-yard-line.
Charles judged the calls to be the reason for Kansas City's defeat.
"The reason why we lost is the refs didn't go our way," Charles said.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid was more measured in his postgame comments.
"I can't comment on the officials," Reid said. "We all have to do our jobs and do them to the best of our ability. Go on to something else, besides the officials. I don't have anything good to say."
Reid did say that he thought Kelce was down and had held on to the ball. Kelce echoed his coach's judgment.
"I thought I regained control of the ball," said Kelce. "It was called a fumble, and I'm just going to have to live with that...It's not my job to even give doubt."
The Cardinals beat the Chiefs 17-14. Charles rushed 10 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. Kelce added 110 yards on seven receptions.
Kansas City allowed Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams to gain 100 yards on the first 19 carries of the second-year player's NFL career. The Chiefs defense also allowed the Cardinals to score the deciding touchdown on a third-and-18 play, and gave up five sacks on quarterback Alex Smith.
Kansas City's record moves to 7-6, while Arizona is now 10-3. The Cardinals lead the NFC West, while the Chiefs are third in the AFC West.
- Christopher Woody
