Will Anderson: Texans ‘knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game’

After Saturday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Texans star Will Anderson Jr. made some comments that will certainly get the attention of the NFL.

While the Texans didn’t commit any turnovers and led the Chiefs in most statistical categories including time of possession (33:26-26:34), first downs (18-14) and total yardage (336-212) they were done in by penalties. Houston was penalized eight times for 82 yards while Kansas City was penalized four times for 29 yards.

When talking to reporters after the game, Anderson bluntly said “We knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game,” H/T Will Kunkel of KRIV, Houston’s Fox affiliate.

Will Anderson: “We knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game.” pic.twitter.com/FReVbYspl5

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) January 19, 2025

A fair of flags stood out. Both were on Kansas City possessions that resulted in points and came after a hit against Patrick Mahomes.

The first came when Anderson was penalized for roughing the passer following an incomplete pass on third down The Chiefs later kicked a field goal. Without the penalty — which rules analyst Russell Yurk and color analyst Troy Aikman both disagreed with — Kansas City would have faced a fourth-and-long from short of midfield. So, that penalty certainly led to those points.

Later in the game, Houston’s Henry To’oTo’o was penalized for a late hit after a Mahomes scramble. Once again, Yurk and Aikman both disagreed with the call. Aikman went as far as to say the rule that led to the call needs to be revisited in the offseason. The Chiefs later scored a touchdown on that possession. But while the 15 yards certainly helped, the play came on what would have been a four-yard gain on first down. So it’s a little harder to project what would have happened without the penalty.

Anderson’s comments were more direct but similar to ones made by his coach, DeMeco Ryans.

Certainly the loss wasn’t just a product of the officiating and not every penalty against the Texans was bad.

Still, while both Ryans and Anderson can certainly expect to hear from the league about their comments, their frustration is understandable.