By Andy Kostka - The Washington Times - Sunday, February 7, 2021

The Buccaneers and Chiefs both had 11 players on the field, but maybe — just maybe — Tampa Bay got a major helping hand on a few occasions in the first half of Super Bowl LV from those in black and white pinstripes.

The Buccaneers built a 21-6 halftime lead, benefiting from 95 penalty yards against the Chiefs — the most against any team in the first half of a game this season. Tampa Bay received six first downs via those penalties, according to Elias Sports Bureau, the most ever in the Super Bowl.

Before the half, quarterback Tom Brady fired downfield to wide receiver Mike Evans, but cornerback Bashaud Breeland tripped Evans and was called for pass interference. That 34-yard penalty set up a touchdown, but not before safety Tyrann Mathieu was called for holding in the end zone with 13 seconds left.

Both calls received some questions on social media because the passes may not have been catchable anyway. Mathieu was then called for an unsportsmanlike conduct call after that drive.

“Yooo.. okay now these flags getting ridiculous,” Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey tweeted. “KC has no chance if the refs keep this up. I think some of these very very questionable too.”

One of the most costly penalties came in the second quarter with the Buccaneers up 7-3. The Chiefs held Tampa Bay to a field goal. But on that attempt, Antonio Hamilton was called offside for lining up in the neutral zone, which handed Brady a new set of downs. He found Rob Gronkowski moments later for a touchdown.

Those calls helped Tampa Bay mount a sizeable lead, making any comeback bid more difficult.

• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.

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