NFL admits refs made a mistake to the Titans
NFL officiating is on the hot seat for a number of bad penalty calls during Week 5 of the NFL season. From the phantom block in the back penalties, to the inconsistent pass interference standards, to quite possibly the softest roughing the passer call in the history of football, NFL referees had a tough weekend. […]
NFL officiating is on the hot seat for a number of bad penalty calls during Week 5 of the NFL season.
From the phantom block in the back penalties, to the inconsistent pass interference standards, to quite possibly the softest roughing the passer call in the history of football, NFL referees had a tough weekend.
Things got so bad, that Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN Color Commentator Troy Aikman urged the NFL Competition Committee to look at the penalties called this week and "take the dresses off."
The Tennessee Titans were victimized as much as anyone, hindered by their fair share of bad calls in Sunday's win over the Commanders.
The Titans still got the win, but one of the officiating failures almost changed the outcome of the game.
With the Commanders driving down the field with no timeouts, trialing 21-17, Carson Wentz threw a ball to Terry McLaurin in the end zone, drawing a questionable pass interference penalty on Titans CB Kristian Fulton.
The Commanders would get the ball on the goal line with just 19 seconds remaining and a chance to win the game. Luckily, the Titans defense didn’t let that happen, thanks to a David Ling Jr. interception, but that shouldn’t prevent NFL officials for being held accountable.
Fulton then took to Twitter on Tuesday Morning and shared some interesting information regarding the penalty.
According to Fulton, the league told the Titans coaches and players that the penalty should nothave been called.
Credit to the NFL for recognizing their error…I guess? But how about getting it right in the first place?
It does no good to recognize bad calls if the call costs someone a game. A phone call or a letter in the mail does nothing for those in Atlanta who took a loss to their record for one refs mistake.
All of that is too little, too late.
Bring back the coach's ability to challenge penalties for call I care. Whatever it takes to get the plays right in the moment and create a consistent standard for penalties that can bring the competitive level of the National Football League back where it used to be.
At least Fulton and the Titans can feel a little vindicated this morning. But if it cost them the game, this would be a different story.
Image via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
