Sunday’s Week 17 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals had major playoff implications as the winner would lock up a postseason berth. And just for good measure: Both teams had to rely on backup quarterbacks to get them there.
An injured Jared Goff was ruled out ahead of Sunday’s game with John Wolford getting the start. Kyler Murray, who had been battling ankle issues, exited the game in the first half. He was replaced by backup Chris Streveler — a former CFL quarterback who is, uh, a downgrade from Murray.
But man, Streveler didn’t get much help from the officiating crew on a crucial pick-six interception before halftime.
Troy Hill takes it back 84 yards. @RamsNFL take the lead! #RamsHouse
📺: #AZvsLAR on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ pic.twitter.com/SddICNwSIl— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2021
With 37 seconds to go in the half, Streveler threw a laughably ill-advised pass to like five Rams players. Troy Hill ultimately picked off the pass and returned it 84 yards for a touchdown. A 7-5 game became 12-7.
But keep an eye on the Rams’ Terrell Lewis (No. 52) at the edge. It sure looked like he had half his body lined up in the neutral zone.
The offsides penalty wasn’t called (or even mentioned in the broadcast where a better camera angle could have been shown). But there was a chance that Streveler thought he had a free play when he forced that pass.
Of course, even with a free play, you’d prefer your quarterback to not do that with his pass attempt. But that embarrassing throw should have been nothing more than a blooper rendered moot by a penalty.
Instead, it flipped the game before half in the Rams’ favor. That’s a rough blow.
