Gene Steratore Takes Clear Side in Bengals-Chiefs Officiating Controversy

The reigning Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs took down the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in a 25-26 thriller at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday evening.

Down two points in the final stretch of the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had one more drive to reclaim the lead at their home stadium. With the help of a defensive pass interference call on the Bengals, Kansas City got into field goal range — setting up a game-winning field goal for Harrison Butker.

The defensive pass interference call occurred when Bengals rookie safety Daijahn Anthony ran through the back of second-year Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice.

This call sparked debate around the NFL world. Many felt it was the right call — others felt the referees gave a favorable whistle to the home-team Chiefs.

CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore took a clear side in the argument during the network's live broadcast on Sunday.

"That's early contact and it is a catchable ball," Steratore said.

The Chiefs are now 2-0 to start the season, notching closely-contested victories over both the Ravens and Bengals. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are now 0-2 to start the 2024 NFL season.

Related: Tony Romo Facing Backlash Over Comment About Patrick Mahomes