The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Cleveland Browns 21-7 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sunday to move to 13-1 on the season.
Despite the win, the mood among Chiefs’ fans was subdued. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game with 7:57 left in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.
Mahomes was listed as questionable to return, but backup quarterback Carson Wentz finished the game under center for Kansas City.
While the long-term status of the two-time NFL MVP remains to be seen, social media users found a clear target to blame for the injury: Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Many users on social media were fed up with Reid’s play-calling in the second half, suggesting they did not protect Mahomes enough with a big lead.
The injury came on a pass attempt on 4th and 3 that resulted in a turnover on downs for Kansas City while Reid’s team was up by two touchdowns.
Patrick Mahomes limps off after getting tangled up on a failed 4th down pic.twitter.com/WnIgmsscfN
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 15, 2024
“Getting Mahomes hurt in that situation is unacceptable,” posted a user on X.
“Andy Reid should be held to account after this game,” wrote another popular post. “Just complete malpractice. One of the more stupefying ways to play a second half I’ve ever seen, and now Mahomes is hurt.”
Brooooo Andy Reid that Mahomes injury is on you!!!!
— KC Master Chief (@KCMasterChief19) December 15, 2024
Mahomes finished the game 19-for-38 with 159 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs did not give up a sack in the game, but Cleveland recorded 12 quarterback hits on 40 Kansas City pass attempts and Mahomes was pressured on 54% of his passes.
FINAL: @Chiefs improve to 13-1! #KCvsCLE pic.twitter.com/3fLHPGMr6L
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
“Andy Reid would rather get Mahomes killed than run the ball with Pacheco,” accused one user on X.
“Andy Reid is doing that thing again where he forgets to run the ball…it’s even more frustrating while up two scores,” wrote another frustrated fan.
It was the Chiefs’ most comfortable win in weeks, but Reid’s decision-making left Kansas City at the center of NFL discourse yet again on Sunday.
