As sports fans, no one wants to see the refs impact the outcome of the game. However, as sports fans, we also want to see the refs get the calls right and leave no doubt regarding the outcome of a game. It is important to remember that refs are people too and human error is an element of the game that cannot be overlooked.
With that said, it is fair to wonder whether the right call is made or not at times, and last night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants was no different. Due to a pass interference penalty committed by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard as time expired, the Giants were given an untimed down at the end of the game on the Bills’ one-yard line with a chance to win the game.
The Giants elected to pass the ball on the one-yard line, with quarterback Tyrod Taylor targeting tight end Darren Waller in the end zone for what would’ve been the game-winning touchdown. Bills cornerback Taron Johnson defended Waller during the play, forcing an incomplete pass which sealed the game for the Bills.
Should the Bills have been called for holding on the last play (a pass in the end zone to Giants TE Darren Waller)?
NBC #SNF rules analyst Terry McAulay talks it over with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth. 🏈🦓📺🎙️ pic.twitter.com/gDq0cFH8tg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 16, 2023
The win didn’t come without controversy. There was a lot of contact on Johnson’s game-ending play, which left many wondering whether a penalty was committed. After the game, NBC’s broadcasters (Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth) spoke with former NFL official and current NFL rules analyst Terry McAulay to discuss the final play.
There was a lot of contact between Johnson and Waller during the play which led people to think the refs may have missed a penalty that occurred during the play, which would’ve given the Giants another opportunity to win the game. McAulay seems to agree with that notion given his discussion with Tirico and Collinsworth.
