The NFL goes through a process during the regular season in which all officials are graded for their performances, and then the “best” officials are given playoff assignments, with refereed working with “all-star” crews. Given the state of officiating in the NFL this season, you should expect that not every playoff-ready official is really up on things.
This was certainly the case for referee Craig Wrolstad, who was given the wild-card game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams that ended in a 24-23 win for the Lions. And on that vaunted stage, Wrolstad and his bunch put together one of the most horribly-officiated games of the 2023 season — which says a lot.
There’s no need to present any additional commentary here; the embarrassments are enough to be simply shown.
Stafford gets hit by 2 players and stepped on. Should roughing the passer been called here? #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/OKs72VkpUe
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 15, 2024
Think about all the times where guys barely get touched and there’s a flag, yet nothing on this trainwreck of bodies #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/xkbOGJ3czS
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) January 15, 2024
This was called a false start on the Lions but it should have been a neutral zone infraction. #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/NawqfJL2ll
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 15, 2024
Roughing the passer called here. #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/qgM3ANHTXK
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 15, 2024
Pass interference called on the Lions here. #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/8QqifHCSkv
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 15, 2024
No flag here for Puka Nacua on 3rd down #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/k3EnwbUIdP
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) January 15, 2024
