Calls that were dubious, incorrect, or downright bizarre enrage NFL fans, managers, and players weekly. The NFL frequently acknowledged errors by officials after the event via spokesperson Michael Signora and vice president of officiating, Wayne Mackie. Unfortunately, that was often of little comfort to the losing teams.
Referees continue to make mistakes despite the league's technological advancements and the availability of video replays.
Here, we've compiled five of the most controversial and questionable calls and no-calls in the NFL's recent history.
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#1 Saints were robbed of a Super Bowl appearance
The Rams and Saints' NFC championship game in 2019 was an unusual instance in which a blown call completely altered the result of the contest. All the Saints required was a first down to continue their drive with a chance to end the game early and attempt a chip-shot field goal.
When Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman hit Tommylee Lewis well before the ball touched down, they seemed to have it. With minutes still on the clock, the Saints opted for a quick field goal after no flag was thrown for pass interference.
Los Angeles answered back before triumphing in overtime. Although the NFL acknowledged that the officials botched the call, Saints supporters were unsatisfied.
#2 Marlon Humphreys on DeAndre Hopkins
In a game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans in 2019, Marlon Humphreys struggled to contain Hopkins, one of the best wide receivers in the league.
In the first quarter, Humphreys committed two flagrant fouls. Prior to the ball arriving, he first grabbed Hopkins' arm. He then pulled on the star Texans player's shirt. The refs failed to call what was obvious pass interference, even though a flag was thrown. Nevertheless, the officials let the play continue.
#3 Seahawks vs. Packers in 2012
Russell Wilson of the Seahawks attempted a desperate throw into the end zone, but Packers safety Greg Jennings snatched it. As a result, one official called it an interception while the other declared a touchdown.
Contrary to NFL regulations, the ball did not go to the offensive player when the two players simultaneously held it. Just as replacement officials appeared to have little understanding of the game's regulations, the Seahawks player in the end zone hardly had his hands on the ball.
#4 Patriots at Giants
During a Week 10 game in 2015, with 120 seconds remaining, Odell Beckham Jr. appeared to catch a touchdown pass, giving the New York Giants what appeared to be a five-point advantage. Beckham had both feet inbound when Malcolm Butler, a New England Patriots cornerback, swatted the ball out of his hands.
After a replay review, the touchdown call on the field was overturned to an incomplete pass. The Giants were forced to settle for a field goal and a two-point lead, but the Patriots ultimately won the game (27-26) with a field goal of their own.
#5 Refs giving Tom Brady a phantom roughing the passer call
The Buccaneers-Falcons game on Sunday was marred by controversy when Atlanta was penalized for roughing the passer, Tom Brady, in the fourth quarter. Fans believed Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett did nothing wrong, so the punishment was highly criticized.
The call came at a pivotal moment in the game, as the Bucs would've been forced to punt and give Atlanta the ball with just three minutes to go and a chance to win. Rather, Tampa Bay was able to maintain possession of the ball and drain the clock to earn a victory.
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