Often criticized by fans, NFL referees are now apparently under scrutiny from their bosses for missing too many critical calls.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, many NFL executives and coaches are calling for sweeping changes to how referees are trained. The league’s match committee has been “aware” of what a source described to ESPN as “the worst run game of the year.”
The game in question ended up putting the Seahawks in the playoffs after their 19-16 win over the Rams and eliminated the Lions, who needed Seattle to lose and then beat the Packers on “Sunday Night Football,” which which became.
“The Lions should be angry,” an unnamed source said, according to the report. “It was an awful way for them to end their season.”
Among the complaints recorded was, among others, a call against the Rams’ Jonah Williams for running into Seahawks punter Michael Dickson that extended a key drive for Seattle in the fourth quarter. However, players blocked on the player by the opposing team should not be called for a penalty.
The Seahawks went on to tie the game with a field goal on the drive.
On the next drive, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith scampered for 25 yards and was hit after the whistle by Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey was then hit in the mask by DK Metcalf, who, if tagged, would have negated the late hit.
However, Metcalf’s punt return was not called and the Seahawks were able to attempt a game-winning field goal. Jason Meyers missed the kick at the end of regulation but converted his second chance in overtime, snuffing out the Lions’ playoff hopes.
Seattle plays the 49ers in San Francisco on Saturday in a game in which they are double-digit underdogs.
