Did refs get Chop Robinson roughing penalty on Patrick Mahomes right?

The Miami Dolphins have put up a good fight against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 27 despite injuries and a controversial penalty decision. The Dolphins trailed 14-10 late in the third quarter and had the Chiefs offense backed up into their own red zone. On third-and-10

Football Zone

SEE ALL

Cincinnati Enquirer

Dexter Lawrence got his first taste of the Bengals-Steelers rivalry

Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals defense struggled for the first time in 2026. Here's why

USA Today

Tee Higgins makes pretty TD catch

What is the story about?

The Miami Dolphins have put up a good fight against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Sept. 27 despite injuries and a controversial penalty decision.

The Dolphins

trailed 14-10 late in the third quarter and had the Chiefs offense backed up into their own red zone. On third-and-10 from the Chiefs 5-yard line, Mahomes threw an incomplete pass that would've ended the Kansas City drive.

However, two flags came out on the play: Chop Robinson was hit with a roughing the passer penalty and the Dolphins were called for defensive holding.

The Chiefs accepted the personal foul on Robinson, extending the drive, which ended with a 34-yard Harrison Butker field goal to extend the Kansas City lead to 17-14.

Chop Robinson roughing the passer?

What an absolute JOKE That's an INSANE call Give me a BREAK
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 27, 2026

Watch Dolphins vs. Chiefs game on Fubo (free trial)

Robinson's penalty was worthy of scrutiny. The third-year pass rusher came flying through and hit Mahomes in the center of his body before landing on top of him in the end zone. Robinson released Mahomes while hitting him, showing his awareness of rules protecting quarterbacks.

The sequence illustrated the quintessential problem facing pass rushers in the NFL. Robinson got to Mahomes just as he released the pass and hit the veteran quarterback in the rule-approved zone of his body. His momentum carried him on top of Mahomes even though he released him in order to avoid causing injury.

Because Robinson landed on top Mahomes, however, the penalty flag was thrown almost immediately.

Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Did refs get Chop Robinson roughing penalty on Patrick Mahomes right?

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.