Thursday night's opening game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens featured no shortage of fireworks. There were plenty of highlight plays in the close 27-20 rematch that went down to the wire, but some controversy as well.
One moment in particular that stirred strong reactions during the contest was a late hit by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith on Patrick Mahomes by Kansas City's sideline. Several Chiefs came to Mahomes' defense, while Smith stood his ground.
After watching his team fall at the wire, Smith made sure to voice his opinions on the play.
#Ravens LB Roquan Smith: “he flopped (Mahomes on the sideline) that’s why they didn’t call it. Great no call. But whoever 88 is better watch himself. He did a little slick push. Whoever he is, I’ll see him when I see him.”#Chiefs
— Justin Churchill (@ChurchillAtoZ) September 6, 2024
The veteran defender said the extra contact was due to Mahomes allegedly flopping (trying to exaggerate the collision to draw a penalty).
Smith then called out Peyton Hendershot -- who wasn't dressed for the game but was among those who reacted after the play many thought was illegal -- for apparently giving him a "little slick push." The Raven added the tight end "better watch himself" and "whoever he is, I'll see him when I see him."
Perhaps cooler heads will prevail once Smith has a chance to process another close loss to the Chiefs. But in the immediate aftermath, it seems like he doesn't regret his hit on Mahomes at all, and now it appears Hendershot is on his list of enemies around the league.
Smith should consider himself lucky for not being flagged on the play. Mahomes was clearly out of bounds by the time the Baltimore LB made contact, with ref ineptitude being the main reason he didn't get punished.
Clear as day late hit by Roquan Smith on Patrick Mahomes, not called pic.twitter.com/5r3Zpjga86 https://t.co/Y8SoTpvDh3
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) September 6, 2024
This surely will be one of the plays the NFL reviews ahead of Week 2 for possible further infractions. It'd be no surprise if Smith gets a warning, or even a fine, for either his hit or postgame comments. It remains to be seen if Hendershot gets any kind of notice from the league as well for his role in the minor dust-up.
In other Chiefs news: