Controversial Roughing the Passer Call on Patrick Mahomes vs. Dolphins

captures one of the most controversial plays from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on September 27, 2026. Late in the third quarter, Patrick Mahomes dropped back deep in his own end zone and released an incomplete pass as Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson broke through and drove Mahomes into the ground. Robinson was flagged for roughing the passer after landing on Mahomes with his body weight, drawing immediate debate over whether the defender could realistically avoid the contact. The 15-yard penalty and automatic first down kept Kansas City’s drive alive when Miami otherwise would have forced a punt from deep in Chiefs territory. Kansas City eventually marched 80 yards on a 13-play possession and extended its lead with Harrison Butker’s 34-yard field goal. Robinson later said he was unsure what he could have done differently, explaining that he had tried to put his hands down to brace his fall.