In last week’s win over the New England Patriots, NFL officials cost the Washington Commanders three points on a penalty that should have never been called.
In Washington’s Week 10 game at Seattle, the officials wasted no time in making their presence felt.
On the Seahawks’ first possession, quarterback Geno Smith targeted wide receiver Tyler Lockett on a second-and-14 pass in Washington territory. Rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes arrives around the same time as the football, knocking it loose. However, Forbes led with his helmet and was called for unnecessary roughness and the 15-yard penalty.
It was the correct call, by the rule.
Here’s the play.
#TylerLockett appears to clear head check but defender disqualified on this hit. pic.twitter.com/j11TQtCdVw
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) November 12, 2023
No doubt, Forbes should have been flagged, but the officials reviewed the play and disqualified the rookie first-round pick from the game.
That’s just silly.
Fans, of course, sounded off on the call.
Forbes was penalized for the hit and will be fined. The ejection, though, was a bit much. Another instance of NFL officiating not knowing what they are doing on the field.
