NFL referees have been big question marks for years now, calling head-scratching penalties in which has led to the difference of winning and losing. You can add the Chargers-Broncos matchup to that list.
With seconds remaining, quarterback Drew Lock tossed up a bomb in the direction of wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The pass sailed over Sutton’s head, who collided with Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward as the ball hit the ground out of reach.
It was a 37-yard penalty which set up kicker Brandon McManus for a 53-yard field goal as time expired, sealing the deal and sending Los Angeles to last place in the AFC West.
When watching the replay, Hayward cut off Sutton and there was contact, but it seemed like the wideout initiated the contact. Hayward was turning to find the ball and the ball did not appear to be catchable, which meant that it should have been a no-call.
“I thought it was a non call. I was trying to find the ball myself. I think I got the same rights to the ball that he do. But (the ref) made the call. We live with it,” Hayward said.
The NFL elected to not review the penalty, even though they had an opportunity to do so with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Had they done so, it would’ve likely been overturned, sending the game to overtime.
After the game, head of officiating Al Riveron said the “defender cuts off the receiver while the ball is in the air; therefore, it is pass interference.” Even then, it is still questionable that they didn’t take a look at it while the game was still in play.
A lot of people were frustrated with the call, including coach Anthony Lynn.
“Officials are not perfect, but I did not like that call at the end of the game. I don’t think that’s the way you end a football game. To make that call, it’d have to be clear and obvious,” Lynn said.
Not being able to close out games has been the narrative for the Chargers this season. 17 of their last 25 games were decided by a single possession. But it’s an unfortunate feeling when one of those losses comes down to a blown call.
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