There’s generally a moment in a game that quietly pushes the outcome of an NFL game in one director or another. And if that moment is an official’s decision on where to spot a ball, it’s a very subjective process.
So when a line judge gave the New England Patriots a seemingly generous ball spot on Sunday night during their 23-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, NFL fans were not thrilled. The official gave Cam Newton a first down after running in from the sideline to mark the spot with his foot, which he moved forward, then backward, then forward to give New England a first down.
Ultimately, the Patriots punted a few plays later. But field position was king in this game. Who knows what difference the yardage could’ve made?
Billion dollar business tied together with yarn. pic.twitter.com/6ZvmIdXhp8
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 16, 2020
NFL fans took note of the moment, and they were critical of the officials on Twitter.
That is a very generous spot.
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) November 16, 2020
That was a 🗑 spot.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) November 16, 2020
That’s a generous freaking call lmao
— Ebony Bird (@Ebony_Bird) November 16, 2020
He’s short!!!!!!
— Ebony Bird (@Ebony_Bird) November 16, 2020
What kind of f****** spot was that Newton was clearly behind the line to gain
— Bershud Allen (@bershud) November 16, 2020
Newton was obviously short on the fourth down, but got a great spot from the officials.
— John Scotus (@John_Scotus) November 16, 2020
Oops.
