The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a controversial victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, with a disputed ruling playing a pivotal role. Former NFL official Gene Steratore defended the handling of the situation, asserting that the decision was appropriate.
The controversy arose when Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett attempted a swing pass to Jaylen Warren late in the first half, resulting in the ball being thrown behind the running back. Despite indications from replay angles suggesting the pass did not move forward, which would constitute a fumble, it was ruled incomplete. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur challenged the call, but it stood.
Steratore explained that he believed there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision. On the contrary, CBS analyst Charles Davis vehemently disagreed. A fan’s video from the stands clearly showed that the ball did not progress forward, leading to the Packers recovering what could have been considered a fumble. Although Rashan Gary took the ball into the end zone, the play was ruled incomplete, and even if the touchdown had stood, Green Bay would have gained possession due to the clear recovery.
Charles Davis doesn't have as spirited an argument with Gene Steratore that Cris Collinsowrth had with Terry McAulay, but the CBS analyst let the former head official that he disagrees, "vehemently."
Steratore really taking a stand here: "To me, it was just not enough to… pic.twitter.com/HjfadUy9Ga
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 12, 2023
Steratore took to social media afterward to elaborate on his perspective, emphasizing how officials piece together various camera angles during play reviews. He maintained that, based on the available evidence, there was not enough to confirm that the pass was lateral or backward.
The Green Bay Packers found themselves trailing 17-13 at the crucial moment of the disputed play. If the ruling had favored them as a fumble, they would have had the opportunity to either kick a field goal, narrowing the score to 17-16, or score a touchdown to take the lead. Ultimately, they ended up losing the game 23-19.
We’d like some answers on this one, @nfl
That puppy is backwards by a yard. #GBvsPIT pic.twitter.com/hmRJUhHGAq
— Levi (@levi_dubs) November 12, 2023
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his post-game belief to reporters that it was “pretty clear” Kenny Pickett did not throw the ball forward. This sentiment resonated with many fans, who also shared the view that the pass was not thrown in a forward direction. The controversy surrounding the ruling added to the intensity of the game and left fans and analysts debating the impact it had on the final outcome.
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