Week 2 of the NFL season wrapped up on Monday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns. The game-clinching play generated some controversy.
Trailing 26-22, the Browns were across midfield. But despite the good field position, Cleveland was in desperation mode. The Browns faced a fourth-and-10 and with just over a minute remaining only one time-out left, it had to be converted. It wasn’t.
Deshaun Watson attempted to hit receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones on a sideline route but the ball sailed out of bounds. While the Steelers celebrated, Watson and some of his teammates argued for a flag. But none came.
"They'll be talking about that no-call in Cleveland, no doubt."- Joe Buck
The Steelers beat the Browns 26-22. #MNF 🏈📺🎙️ pic.twitter.com/bqaAjOOcpJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 19, 2023
The conversation wasn’t limited to just Cleveland or Browns fans. A lot of people watching the game felt that Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers got away with a pass interference.
#NFL refs when pass interference is committed on a play to determine the game pic.twitter.com/sFpKpFdYml
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) September 19, 2023
Joey Porter Jr had two handfuls of jersey and a ref watching, no call #CLEvsPIT pic.twitter.com/iEYFuusbrw
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) September 19, 2023
Cleveland Browns losing the game in true Cleveland Browns fashion, though that was another blown NFL officiated call.
Clear pass interference #CLEvsPIT pic.twitter.com/6zBq3NR9Xv
— The Whole Delivery (@TWDTV1) September 19, 2023
Ay bruh…. how was not Pass Interference
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) September 19, 2023
Clear flag on Joey Porter Jr. That’s just the ref choosing to miss it….he held both of his shoulder pads
— Braiden Turner (@bturner23) September 19, 2023
This, my friends, is pass interference. Can't miss that on a game-deciding 4th-down… ⬇️pic.twitter.com/twm14UxFfX
— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlson_) September 19, 2023
It’s of course worth noting that a pass interference penalty would not have given the win to the Browns. They still had a long way to go and down four points, needed a touchdown.
That said, it would have prolonged the game. And it’s also abundantly clear that Porter Jr. was grabbing Peoples-Jones’ jersey with both hands at one point, while the ball was in the air.
An argument could be made that the ball was not catchable. That said, it would have been tough for the Steelers and their fans to seriously dispute the penalty if a flag was thrown. But it wasn’t and with that, Pittsburgh sealed a much-needed win.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
