Ex-Patriots star demands official that handed Puka Nacua’s Rams win be ostracized from playoff appearance

Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams are riding high after saving their season in primetime against one of the hottest teams in football. However, Vikings fans and general referee detractors have refused to let the final penalty of the game go. Down eight points with a chance to tie the game, the Rams scored a safety by tackling Sam Darnold while grabbing his facemask.

The referees didn't call the penalty that would have granted an automatic first down, leading to outrage around the league. One former New England Patriots player called for the entire group to be held out in January, including the judge in charge of watching the quarterback for the facemask.

Here's how Tedy Bruschi put it on a Friday edition of "Get Up":

"The officials get graded. If anything, keep these officials out of the playoffs because I don't know how you miss this, but this grading system, hopefully it works because these types of plays, they can't be missed when seasons are on the line."

Of course, one could argue that the Rams' season was on the line in the showdown on Thursday Night Football. With rumors swirling about trading Cooper Kupp and the team one game loss away from a 2-5 record, the Rams desperately needed the victory.

LA Rams jump into second place in NFC West following win over Vikings

Puka Nacua at Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams - Source: Imagn

The Rams have plenty of reason to celebrate but almost like in a Week 18 play-and-in situation, the team will need some help to truly get back into the thick of things.

Namely, the Rams need the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals to lose this weekend. The 49ers face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals face the Tua Tagovailoa-led Miami Dolphins.

There is plenty of reason for Rams fans to hope, but they need two games to go their way to gain sole position of second place in the NFC West. With a win against the Seahawks next week, the team also has a chance to gain first place in the division.