Controversial call goes Chiefs' way again, Kansas City takes bigger lead

Much of the conversation leading into Sunday's AFC championship game surrounded officiating and a perception of favorable treatment for the Chiefs. The Bills can add to that conversation after a controversial catch was given to the Chiefs in the first half.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL fans will continue asking, rhetorically or otherwise, what a catch is, exactly. While it's been stated possession needs to be established with a player landing both feet in bounds, and maintain possession through to the ground, it isn't always called that way.

Late in the first half of the AFC championship game is the battleground of the latest fight in the definition of a catch.

Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy went up to grab a Patrick Mahomes pass at Buffalo's 6-yard line with a little over two minutes remaining in the first half. It appeared that perhaps possession was shared equally between Worthy and Bills defender Cole Bishop, but it wasn't clear, and the ball hit the ground before Worthy seemed to establish possession.

Even though this ball CLEARLY hit the ground and neither player had complete possession the refs rule that this was a catch by Xavier Worthy.

The Chiefs 🤝 The Refspic.twitter.com/hDMOoLq6xt

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 27, 2025

Officials did not see it that way, and initially ruled it a catch by Worthy on the field. Bills coach Sean McDermott challenged the call, but it was upheld upon review.

It's difficul to explain exactly how it can be clearly seen that Worthy had the ball on his way to the ground. He would have had to establish possession before landing, when the ball struck the ground -- something that is simply impossible to deny.

The Chiefs took advantage, scoring on a touchdown run by Patrick Mahomes two plays later, taking a 21-10 lead.

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