The referees did their best to prevent the Vikings from making the biggest comeback in NFL history, but ultimately fell short.
For most of Saturday’s game between the Vikings and the Colts, it looked like it wasn’t Minnesota’s day.
The home team trailed early 17-0 in the first quarter. They went into halftime behind 33-0. The 14 points they scored in the third quarter seemed like consolation… until suddenly they weren’t. Suddenly, the Vikings are back at it.
The biggest comeback in NFL history ended 39-36. Minnesota outscored the Colts 39-3 going into the second half and overtime. And the judges took more points from the Vikings board.
In fact, if it weren’t for the officials, Minnesota might have made it back sooner.
Worst 3 calls as the umpires tried to prevent the Vikings from defeating the Colts
First Scoop and Record
Vikings fans were outraged in the second quarter when the referees denied them a lifeline while trailing 23-0.
Michael Pittman Jr. was stopped on a two-yard reception but still fought for yards when Chandon Sullivan forced a fumble. He picked it up himself and brought it back to the score.
The referees ruled Pittman’s forward advance stopped, nullifying the fumble and a return touchdown.
The fact that the receiver was continuing to fight through contact when he lost the ball made fans convinced the umpires got the call wrong.
That call alone was a post-game talking point…it was just the first of many potentially game-changing calls.
Fake face mask
Jalen Reagor had a terrible game, responsible for less than two interceptions from Kirk Cousins. However, he almost made an impact with a long punt return that would have already put the Vikings into field goal position while trailing by eight.
The 51-yard return was pulled down due to a face mask call. Only, no one can find said offense.
The penalty was called on Chris Boyd, apparently for having his hands near an opponent’s face mask.
The second shovel
This was the worst of all calls. It might be the worst call in the NFL this year.
Colts running back Deon Jackson apparently fumbled while pushing forward for yards. It was an obvious fumble, no doubt, as Sullivan rushed to catch and return for a touchdown.
Except the referees whistled Jackson down.
The review rightly determined that Jackson lost the ball before he fell. But replays can’t quite make things right. He can only grant possession to the defense due to an apparent recovery. Everything that happened after recovery was wiped out.
Sullivan was rightly furious, and the umpires added insult to injury by flagging him for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
In the end, stealing those two defensive touchdowns and a big punt return wasn’t enough to deny the Vikings a win. Beat the odds, the colts and the umpires.
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