A controversial late missed penalty call overshadowed the Los Angeles Rams’ impressive 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. With just over 90 seconds remaining in the game, the decision became a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Late-Game Drama Unfolds
As the game neared its conclusion at SoFi Stadium, the Rams were leading by eight points when Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold attempted to pass from his own end zone. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Darnold was tackled by Rams linebacker Byron Young, resulting in a sack and a safety that extended the Rams’ lead to 10 points. However, TV replays revealed that Young had grabbed Darnold’s face mask, twisting his head in an awkward manner.
The Vikings’ frustration was palpable. Players and coaches were visibly upset, with receiver Justin Jefferson slamming his helmet to the ground in disbelief. This pivotal moment, had it been flagged, could have allowed Minnesota to continue their drive and potentially change the outcome of the game.
Referee’s Explanation
After the game, lead official Tra Blake addressed the missed call. He stated that none of the officiating crew had a clear view of the incident.
“The quarterback was facing the opposite direction from me, so I did not have a good look at it,” Blake explained in a pool report. He noted that the umpire also had players obstructing his view, which contributed to the decision not to throw a flag.
Furthermore, Blake clarified that the moment was not reviewable, meaning the call was final and could not be overturned after the fact.
Commentary on the Missed Call
The broadcast commentary echoed the frustration surrounding the incident. Analyst Kirk Herbstreit stated that Young “definitely” grabbed Darnold’s face mask, adding that the linebacker “got away with one.” Al Michaels agreed, suggesting that Vikings fans might be questioning the officiating after such a critical miss.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell also weighed in, mentioning that Young appeared to have “got a pretty good amount of (Darnold’s) face mask.” However, he chose to avoid focusing on the officiating, emphasizing the need for his team to move forward without seeking comfort in the missed call.
Game Highlights
Despite the controversial ending, the game itself was a thrilling display of offensive talent from both teams. The Rams enjoyed a significant boost with the return of their star wide receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who had missed several weeks due to injuries. Their presence clearly benefited Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw four touchdown passes—connecting with Kupp, Kyren Williams, and Damarcus Robinson.
Williams also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 97 yards. Kupp and Nacua combined for 12 receptions and 157 yards, with Nacua accounting for 107 yards alone. The Rams scored a season-high 30 points against a typically strong Vikings defense.
Stafford’s Reflection
Following the game, Stafford expressed his satisfaction with having his key targets back on the field. “It’s what you envisioned for this offense when training camp started,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact their return had on the entire team.
A Milestone for McVay
The victory was particularly meaningful for Rams head coach Sean McVay, as it marked his 80th win, making him the franchise’s all-time leader in wins.
Vikings’ Concerns
For the Vikings, the loss marked their second defeat in just four days after a strong 5-0 start to the season. More troubling was the injury suffered by star left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who was ruled out for the remainder of the game after sustaining an injury late in the first half. As Minnesota looks to rebound, the health of key players will be a critical factor moving forward.
While the Rams celebrated a significant win, the controversy surrounding the missed penalty call will undoubtedly linger in discussions as the season progresses.
