NFL Officials Under Fire Over Controversial Call in Steelers-Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers met in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, where Lamar Jackson and company entered the game as a 9.5-point favorite, per ESPN BET.
Baltimore started the game dominating the Steelers, helping back up the near double-digit odds.
They entered the locker room at halftime up 21-0, handing Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin the first shutout in the first half of a playoff game in his coaching career.
While Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson were dealing in the first half, some fans believe a controversial call heavily aided Baltimore.
In the second quarter, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson connected with wide receiver George Pickens on a deep shot that put Pittsburgh in scoring distance.
Despite the pass completion, the officials threw a flag on the play, calling an offensive pass interference on Pickens. The Steelers star seemingly nudged Marlon Humphrey to make space for the catch.
Following the play, some fans took to social media to share their clear disagreement with the call.
"Horrible call," said one fan.
"they really do... lame," said another fan.
"No the refs want Buff vs Balt," mentioned one fan.
"Refs being refs again!" commented one fan.
"Do the refs bet money on Baltimore? Three separate holds on every Ravens offensive play not called. Non-existent OPI on George Pickens," said one fan.
"Refs hate George. The dB sold it," said another fan.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Henry entered the locker room at halftime with one touchdown and 100 yards on 13 carries. Jackson went into the break with two touchdowns and 144 yards, completing 13-of-15 pass attempts.
Pittsburgh ended the first half of the game with 59 total yards on offense, converting on just two first downs, with a 1-of-5 third-down conversion rate.
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