Rams appear on the wrong end of questionable pass interference call in loss to Broncos
The Los Angeles Rams probably should have made a key interception in the final two minutes against the Denver Broncos. But Broncos receiver Pat Bryant did a very good acting job.
With the Broncos at the Rams’ 11-yard line, trailing 26-23, Bo Nix threw to Bryant. Rams cornerback Josh Wallace made a great interception on the play, taking a knee inbounds, but a penalty flag came out. And in real time, there appeared to have been contact because Bryant raised his left and fell to the ground.
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A closer look showed that Bryant was embellishing.
Josh Wallace (30) of the Los Angeles Rams is called for a pass interference penalty while covering Pat Bryant (13) of the Denver Broncos. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
(AAron Ontiveroz via Getty Images)
Bryant actually pulled Wallace toward him, then raised his hand and went down as Wallace made what would have been a game-changing interception. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said on the broadcast that he didn’t see any penalties against Wallace.
“We actually see the receiver grab the defender and pull him toward him,” McAulay said. “I don’t see the defender doing anything that significantly hinders the receiver on this play.”
McAulay clarified that the initial contact at the start of the play also did not warrant reporting Wallace.
“Just get your hands on him,” McAulay said. “He doesn’t.”
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The Rams would have the ball at their own 8-yard line with 1:09 left. The Broncos still had three timeouts and could have gotten the ball back, but their chances of winning would have dropped dramatically. Instead, the Broncos got a first down and a few plays later, Nix scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Denver the lead. The Rams quickly reached the red zone in the final seconds, but Matthew Stafford was picked off on the final play of the game and the Broncos won 30-26.
After a report indicated that Rams head coach Sean McVay walked out of his postgame press conference, he actually spoke briefly to the media about the loss.
The Rams are off to a 1-2 start. Losing after a questionable penalty which was unfavorable to them will not improve their mood.
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