Sports

Video Evidence Vindicates NFL Referees After Controversial Denver Broncos Challenge

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Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton throws a challenge flag.


Controversy erupted in an NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers on Sunday. A Sean Payton challenge had a major impact on the outcome of the game.

The play turned a scoring opportunity for the Carolina offense into a turnover in the endzone. There were doubts as to whether or not Denver should’ve been awarded the ruling.

Little clarity was provided on the broadcast, but new video appears to vindicate referees amid criticism. They got the call correct on the field.

Sean Payton won a challenge.

The contest was incredibly competitive, as the 26-21 final score would indicate. It came down to the last possession.

The Broncos jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before taking a 13-7 advantage into the locker room. Carolina took its first lead of the game a few moments later.

Tight end Darren Waller hauled in a 15-yard score in the third quarter to put the Panthers up 14-13. They looked to add to that lead on the ensuing drive.

The Carolina offense marched 87 yards down the field to reach the one-yard line. On first and goal, quarterback Bryce Young dropped back and threw a pass to the endzone. It was broken up and ruled incomplete.

The Panthers then lined up for their second down play. The ball was snapped and running back Chuba Hubbard received a handoff. He was stopped shy of the goal line. Onto third down… or so viewers thought!

Before getting lined up for the next play, referees paused the game. They awarded Sean Payton with a challenge, not for the play that had just occurred, but for the first down incompletion.

There was no stoppage in between the first and second down snaps. Officials, however, ruled that Payton’s review request came prior to the second down snap despite there being no whistle.

Replay confirmed that the ball was intercepted. Rather than extend their lead, the Panthers gave the ball to the Broncos. Denver responded with an 80-touchdown drive to go up 19-14.

Video vindicates referees.

Clips have been posted to social media in the aftermath of the controversial ruling. Sean Payton can be seen tossing the challenge flag just as the ball was being snapped.

Here’s a closer look.

It looks like the flag left his hand before the ball was snapped. It landed on the ground as Young turned to hand the ball off to Hubbard on second down. Hence, why play was not stopped.

In their explanation for the review, referees said that Payton threw the flag before the play. It does not matter when the flag landed. Video confirms that assertion. Whether or not the review should’ve been granted two plays later is a different argument.

The Broncos would later widen their lead to 26-14 before Carolina struck back with a fourth quarter touchdown. Denver then forced a fumble on Carolina’s final drive to preserve its victory.