The finale of the recent Steelers vs. Lions game had fans buzzing, especially after two key offensive pass interference (OPI) calls. Referee Carl Cheffers took the time to explain these decisions in an interview with reporter Nolan Bianchi.
The first call occurred when the Lions had a chance to score from the one-yard line with just 25 seconds left. Receiver Isaac TeSlaa was flagged for a pick play that created space for Amon-Ra St. Brown to catch a potential touchdown pass. Cheffers clarified that TeSlaa’s action was deemed a foul because it took place beyond a yard from the line of scrimmage.
The second crucial moment was on the last play of the game. St. Brown caught a pass and lateraled it to quarterback Jared Goff, who seemed to score. However, an OPI call against St. Brown nullified the touchdown. Cheffers explained that St. Brown’s actions gave him an unfair advantage, prompting the penalty.
He further detailed the challenge of ruling on the play. They had to assess whether Goff’s catch was part of a fumble or a backward pass, which would impact how the play was handled. Ultimately, because of the OPI call, the score did not count, leaving the final tally at 29-24 in favor of the Steelers. If the penalty hadn’t been called, the Lions could have taken the win, 30-29.
These calls have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, highlighting how critical officiating can be in tight games. According to a recent survey by ESPN, nearly 70% of football fans believe officiating is inconsistent and can alter game outcomes. This game certainly adds weight to those opinions, showcasing how a single penalty can shift the entire course of a match.
In a league where every call is scrutinized, the conversation about officiating continues to grow, making transparency in these decisions more important than ever.
