Was it defensive pass interference?
That is the question that dominated conversations around the NFL world on Sunday night after the Bills survived an upset bid from the Giants following a questionable sequence on the last play of the game.
With New York down 14–9 on the one-yard line, Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor fired a pass to tight end Darren Waller, who leapt in an effort to secure the ball with Bills cornerback Taron Johnson draped over him in coverage.
The game would end after Taylor’s pass fell incomplete, but replays of Waller’s last-gasp effort appeared to show Johnson grabbing his jersey, and maybe his arm, mid-play in what was one of the most controversial moments of Week 6.
The Giants were *this* close
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 16, 2023
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/MZt3KQemfE
The shots of the apparent no-call sent fans and pundits into an uproar on social media, with many contesting the decision made by the officials to not flag Johnson for PI, thus, possibly costing the Giants the game:
So in the Super Bowl a jersey tug late in the 4th is PI. Regular season Sun night late in the 4th? Nah. (Apparently)
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 16, 2023
Insane no call https://t.co/18ezfezulJ
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 16, 2023
Damn, that’s a tough way to lose. Very clear Waller only went up 1 hand because dude was yanking his jersey. https://t.co/MWkf6jnqxx
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) October 16, 2023
You gotta call that. Come on. That’s PI. Giants got jobbed.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 16, 2023
The final play of Bills-Giants...
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 16, 2023
Taron Johnson broke up this pass on Darren Waller. Should this have been called defensive pass interference? 🤔pic.twitter.com/iityKKjtKz
I know they’re probably not calling it twice but that was an obvious DPI against Darren Waller on that final play right?
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) October 16, 2023
If he doesn’t grab the entire jersey and arm, Waller is making that catch. He got a free release. He’s 6-5. Has like a 5 inch advantage. #Giants
The Buffalo Bills escape with a win over the New York Giants at home after Tyrod Taylor is unable to connect with Darren Waller at the one-yard line.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 16, 2023
Should pass interference have been called on this play?
🎥 @NFLpic.twitter.com/PeLHgfoA4w
