Image Source: Mike Florio
Key Takeaways
- The Bills-Broncos game had no pass interference calls in 60 minutes of regulation, but two were called against the Bills in overtime.
- The calls in overtime were controversial, with some arguing that similar plays in regulation were not called.
- The lack of consistency in calling pass interference is a major issue in the NFL.
- The Broncos benefited from the calls, with all three major interference calls and non-calls going in their favor.
- The inconsistent calling may have affected the outcome of the game, with the Bills potentially winning in regulation if the calls had been made differently.
Introduction to the Controversy
The recent Bills-Broncos game has sparked controversy over the inconsistent calling of pass interference by the referees. As referee Carl Cheffers explained to pool reporter Jeff Legwold after the game, "The first one was an arm grab. The defender held the receiver’s right arm down, which prevented him from going up for the pass with two hands. He was attempting a one-arm grab of the ball. And so, that restriction of his right arm was why pass interference was called." However, this explanation raises more questions than answers, as similar plays in regulation were not called.
The Overtime Calls
The two pass interference calls against the Bills in overtime were crucial in determining the outcome of the game. The first call was against Bills cornerback Taron Johnson on Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, resulting in a 17-yard gain. The second call was against cornerback Tre’Davious White on Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr., moving the ball from the Buffalo 38 to the Bills’ eight. As Cheffers noted, "The second was early contact and an arm grab that materially restricted the receiver." While these calls may have been correct, the lack of consistency in calling pass interference throughout the game is a major concern.
Inconsistent Calling
The issue of inconsistent calling is not unique to this game, but it is particularly frustrating when it affects the outcome of a crucial contest. As the article notes, "For a game to be called a certain way for four quarters and then for it to change in overtime isn’t what the NFL should want." The NFL should strive for consistency in its officiating, but this game highlights the challenges in achieving this goal. The lack of consistency can be attributed to various factors, including the subjective nature of pass interference calls and the pressure to make quick decisions in high-stakes situations.
Similar Plays in Regulation
One of the most contentious aspects of the game was the lack of calls on similar plays in regulation. Late in the fourth quarter, Broncos cornerback Riley Moss committed a similar infraction to the ones called in overtime, but there was no call. As the article points out, "If the plays in overtime were interference, the play late in regulation should have been interference." This discrepancy highlights the inconsistent calling and raises questions about the fairness of the game. If the calls had been made consistently, the outcome of the game may have been different.
Impact on the Game
The inconsistent calling of pass interference had a significant impact on the game, with the Broncos benefiting from the calls. As the article notes, "The Bills had none" of the major interference calls and non-calls go in their favor. This lack of consistency may have affected the outcome of the game, with the Bills potentially winning in regulation if the calls had been made differently. The NFL should take steps to address this issue, including providing clearer guidelines for officials and implementing more stringent review processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bills-Broncos game highlights the need for consistency in calling pass interference in the NFL. The lack of consistency in this game had a significant impact on the outcome, with the Broncos benefiting from the calls. As the NFL continues to evolve, it is essential to address this issue to ensure fairness and integrity in the game. By providing clearer guidelines and implementing more stringent review processes, the NFL can reduce the controversy surrounding pass interference calls and ensure that the game is decided on the field, rather than by the officials. As Cheffers noted, the calls in overtime were made based on specific criteria, but the lack of consistency throughout the game undermines the integrity of the officiating.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/officials-seemingly-shifted-the-dpi-standard-in-bills-broncos-overtime
