CBS rules analyst: Officials got it half-right on late non-calls against Chiefs at Vikings
Another week, another Chiefs victory and ... another irate fan base that thinks the game officials helped the Chiefs.
The Chiefs beat the Vikings 27-20 on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium and there was a key moment late in the game.
Minnesota had the ball at the Chiefs’ 24-yard line but had just taken a delay-of-game penalty with 4:54 on the clock. That made it a fourth-and-12 play, and the Chiefs blitzed Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw a desperation pass down the sideline while under heavy pressure.
Chiefs defensive back L’Jarius Sneed was flagged for pass interference, and as he asked for clarification on the call, Sneed removed his helmet.
Officials picked up the flag, and CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore agreed with the decision.
“First of all, when the back judge is walking over to the side official, he may be talking to him about catchability,” Steratore said. “Then the conversation can increase more to, ‘Do you think they’re running with each other happy to be there?’ I think that’s what they came up with and honestly guys, I agree with no-call for pass interference there.”
Here is the play and Steratore’s thoughts.
Officials appeared to be telling Sneed to put his helmet back on. By taking off his helmet, Sneed could have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and Steratore said that penalty should have been called.
However, that wouldn’t have given the Vikings the ball because it happened after a change of possession. So the Chiefs would have been penalized half-the-distance to the goal line, but they would have had a first-and-10, as Steratore noted on the air.
