If you watch a lot of NFL broadcasts like I do, you’ve probably noticed there’s a certain way broadcasters usually talk about the referees. They rarely criticize them directly, even when they seem wrong.

On Saturday it wasn't just disgruntled non-Chiefs fans sounding off. ESPN's Troy Aikman was not happy at all over an unnecessary roughness call on Patrick Mahomes that cost the Houston Texans 15 yards in an AFC divisional-round game at Arrowhead Stadium.

If you bring the résumé to the table that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes does—six Pro Bowl appearances, three world championships and two MVPs—you are going to get the benefit of the doubt on some calls.