Missed Call in Vikings vs. Rams Game
In a thrilling Thursday night matchup, the Minnesota Vikings faced off against the Los Angeles Rams, but a controversial missed call marred the game. Referee Tra Blake acknowledged that officials failed to notice a facemask violation against Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold late in the fourth quarter. This critical oversight allowed the Rams to gain a safety and extend their lead, ultimately resulting in a 30-20 victory for Los Angeles.
Referee’s Explanation
During a post-game pool report, Tra Blake explained the circumstances that led to the missed call. With just 1:46 remaining in regulation, Rams linebacker Byron Young grabbed Darnold’s facemask during a sack. “The quarterback was facing the opposite direction from me, so I did not have a good look at it,” Blake stated. He emphasized that he did not see the face mask being pulled, which directly impacted the game’s outcome.
Umpire’s Perspective
Blake also noted that the umpire, Carl Paganelli, who shared responsibility for monitoring the play, was unable to see the incident due to the congestion on the field. “The umpire had players between him and the quarterback, so he did not get a good look at it,” Blake explained. This lack of visibility contributed to the officials’ inability to call the penalty, highlighting the challenges referees face in fast-paced game situations.
Vikings’ Struggles After the Missed Call
After the Rams’ safety, the Vikings were pinned back at their own five-yard line following a punt. They attempted a deep pass to Jordan Addison, which fell incomplete, and were subsequently flagged for an illegal formation—a penalty the Rams declined. Young’s pivotal sack of Darnold on second down sealed the Rams’ 10-point lead, and the Vikings’ hopes of a comeback were dashed when they attempted an unsuccessful onside kick, allowing Los Angeles to secure the win.
NFL Penalty Review Limitations
It’s important to note that most penalty calls, including facemask violations, are not reviewable under NFL rules. While officials can review scoring plays, they cannot overturn a non-penalty call during the game. This limitation leaves teams and coaches with little recourse to address controversial calls that significantly influence the game’s outcome.
Vikings Head Coach Comments
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the missed call during a post-game press conference, indicating that it appeared Young had indeed grabbed Darnold’s facemask. However, he emphasized that he would not seek comfort in what wasn’t called on the field. O’Connell’s focus remained on moving forward rather than dwelling on the officiating error.
Minnesota’s Recent Performance
The loss against the Rams marked the second defeat for the Vikings in just four days, following a strong start to the season at 5-0. Minnesota’s defense, which initially performed well, has struggled in recent games, conceding a staggering 777 yards and 61 points in losses to both the Rams and the Detroit Lions.
NFC North Standings Implications
As it stands, the Vikings are currently in a three-way tie for the second-best record in the NFC. However, they could find themselves at the bottom of the NFC North standings by the end of the week. The Detroit Lions currently lead the division with a 5-1 record, while the Vikings and Green Bay Packers sit at 5-2. The Chicago Bears enter Week 8 in last place at 4-2. If the Lions, Packers, and Bears win on Sunday, the Vikings risk dropping to fourth place in their division.
The missed facemask call in the Vikings vs. Rams game underscores the complexities of officiating in the NFL. As the season progresses, the Vikings will need to regroup and address their defensive issues if they hope to remain competitive in the tightly contested NFC North.
