After Arden Key fell on Patrick Mahomes’ ankle, some on Twitter tried to push the idea that the Jaguars DE injured the Chiefs QB on purpose.
Injuries happen in football games. It’s the reality of a game with physical tackling like football. But some tackles result in injuries by accident and some tackles result in injuries by design.
Twitter spent some time on Twitter debating which side of that spectrum Arden Key’s tackle of Patrick Mahomes fit into.
The Jaguars defensive end landed on Mahomes’ ankle late in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Round. The Chiefs quarterback immediately looked bothered by the injury and missed a drive in the second quarter while receiving treatment.
Was it a dirty play?
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1616923254840766464
Jaguards DE Arden Key accused of injuring Patrick Mahomes on purpose
Many on Twitter sided with the idea that Key’s intent was to drop his body weight onto Mahomes’ ankle.
THE IMMEDIATE DROP DOWN TO THE LEG
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 21, 2023
not even trying to wrap & tackle pic.twitter.com/rmT3NmZEev
I’ve seen enough replays. What Arden Key was deliberate and reckless.
— Brett Yarris 🏈📈💵 (@brettaverse) January 21, 2023
Arden Key appears to see the ball come out and still drops his full weight on Mahomes ankle. Seasons are decided by plays like these. No foul called. League needs to Protect the games stars better. pic.twitter.com/z2ncGDFhsx
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) January 21, 2023
Man, Arden Key, same guy who injured Mahomes, just speared Chad Henne helmet-to-helmet.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 21, 2023
That’s a serious accusation to throw out there, especially when defenders are already so restricted in the ways they are allowed to tackle a quarterback.
Yes, Key drops his body weight. But defenders are penalized for putting their body weight on a quarterback. You can just as easily assume that was on his mind rather than jumping to the idea that he was intentionally trying to catch Mahomes’ ankle under his knee.
Whether or not Key meant to do anything is something only he can know. This certainly isn’t a situation the NFL should be stepping in to arbitrate whether with a fine or some other sort of punishment.
Key’s season is over as the Chiefs prevailed over the Jaguars despite Mahomes being clearly hampered. Mahomes’ focus will now be on getting his body ready to play next week against the Bengals or the Bills.