Late No-Call Explanation on Byron Young Sack in Vikings-Rams Game – ESPN
In a recent Vikings-Rams game, a controversial late no-call on a potential facemask penalty against quarterback Sam Darnold has sparked discussion and debate among fans and analysts alike. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young appeared to grab Darnold’s facemask and bring him down in the end zone for a sack and a safety, ultimately giving the Rams a significant lead. However, no penalty was called on the play.
Referee Tra Blake later explained to a pool reporter that the no-call was due to the fact that neither he nor the umpire had a clear view of the play. Blake mentioned that Darnold was facing away from him, making it difficult to see the facemask grab, and the umpire was also blocked by players on the field. As a result, the officials were unable to make the call.
While the missed call has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell chose not to dwell on the incident as an excuse for the team’s loss. O’Connell acknowledged the potential facemask violation but emphasized the need for the team to focus on improving their overall performance rather than fixating on officiating decisions.
Quarterback Sam Darnold echoed O’Connell’s sentiments, stating that the team should take responsibility for putting themselves in a challenging position and focus on playing better moving forward. Despite the controversial play, both the coach and the quarterback emphasized the importance of self-improvement and resilience in the face of adversity.
The NFL rules state that the play in question is not reviewable, leaving the outcome of the game unchanged. While the missed facemask call may have impacted the final result, the Vikings are determined to learn from the experience and continue to strive for better outcomes in future games.
