A player is not allowed to remove his helmet while on the field of play. During Monday’s game between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, we saw just how strictly NFL officials enforce that rule.
Early in the second quarter, Chicago cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted a pass from Minnesota’s Joshua Dobbs and returned it 19 yards. The return, though, was largely negated when cornerback Kyler Gordon was penalized for taking his helmet off while running down the field to celebrate with his teammates.
Replays showed that Gordon clearly took his helmet off. And while the play was over when he did, he was still on the field. But the replays also showed why he did it. While Gordon was penalized for taunting, that’s not what he was doing. His facemask had come loose and was dangling off of the front of his helmet. This was apparent on the overhead replay and confirmed as the cameras focused on Gordon on the field.
"If you can go in and replay something, I guess that would be the time to do it."
Troy Aikman comments on Bears CB Kyler Gordon getting penalized for taking his helmet off. Gordon's facemask was clearly broken and dangling off of the front of his helmet. pic.twitter.com/jCO88QyEmg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 28, 2023
In what has been a common theme this season, fans were frustrated by the officiating.
The officials have been a joke all year. https://t.co/3P5Yup1OmX
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) November 28, 2023
2) Not a great weekend for NFL referees extends into Monday night. https://t.co/y4oilFr1Ev
— Daniel Gunderson (@GunderBathgate) November 28, 2023
@nfl refs only see what they want to see. I get it. But when other leagues internationally use the replay system more efficiently than how can you have the highest valuations of teams ? But I know nothing. https://t.co/Q1TZ9vEa5c
— not (@miteshdesai) November 28, 2023
— Antonio Contreras (@ImContreras) November 28, 2023
The penalty had a big impact on the play. It effectively meant that Johnson’s return only went four yards. Rather than starting the possession on the Minnesota 37-yard line, the Bears started on their own 48. The Vikings tightened up defensively and forced a punt.
By the letter of the law, the call was correct. But if there was ever a time when common sense clashed with the letter of the law, it was here. At any point, the officials could have seen Gordon’s helmet and instantly realized that it was an equipment issue, not a taunt.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
