Patrick Mahomes' Roughing the Passer Call Resurfaces After Marcus Mariota Injury

A controversial hit on Marcus Mariota has many comparing it to a call that shaped Patrick Mahoesm and the Chiefs' win over the Dolphins.

by Yagya Bhargava

Oct 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are off to a 3-0 start in the 2026 NFL season, but their Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins is still drawing conversation. Kansas City left Miami with a 24-10 victory, though the biggest talking point arrived before the final whistle, when a controversial penalty kept a stalled Chiefs drive alive.

Leading 14-10 late in the third quarter, the Chiefs faced third-and-9 from their own 5-yard line.

Mahomes’ incomplete pass toward Rashee Rice drew a hit from Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson, who was flagged for roughing the passer after landing on the two-time MVP with most of his body weight, a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 11.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Chop Robinson hits Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Instead of punting from deep territory, the Chiefs turned the extra 15 yards into a fresh set of downs, riding an 80-yard drive to a Harrison Butker field goal that pushed their lead to 17-10.

The call sparked debate that hasn’t quieted since. Robinson later admitted he could’ve pulled his hands away sooner, and Mahomes didn’t dispute it, admitting Robinson “got me for sure pretty good.”

The league reviewed the play but decided against fining Robinson, a decision that only fueled the belief the original call was too soft. That debate resurfaced over the weekend after a hit in London brought the Mahomes play back into the conversation.

Marcus Mariota was starting for an injured Jayden Daniels when the Washington Commanders faced the Indianapolis Colts. On third down from the Colts’ 11-yard line, Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu sacked Mariota for a 6-yard loss, with Latu landing on his right leg.

The quarterback limped off and never returned, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis to close out a 30-13 defeat with no penalty called. To many fans, the two hits looked nearly identical, but officials pointed to one distinction: the football itself.

The decision could hinge on whether Mahomes had already released his pass when Robinson arrived, making him a defenseless passer, whereas Mariota, still with the ball, was a live carrier, making the sack legal.

Now, Mahomes and the undefeated Chiefs turn to another unbeaten opponent. Kansas City visits the 3-0 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, at Allegiant Stadium.