NFL Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Lose Game On Worst Call In NFL History

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By @MichaelTerrill

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 14-12 after three controversial calls kept the Seahawks alive. The Packers lost a game they deserved to win on the worst call in the history of the NFL . If this pathetic performance by the officials does not convince commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL owners to pay the original referees, nothing will.

The first terrible call happened with 8:44 left in the fourth quarter. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was being chased outside of the pocket by Green Bay linebacker Erik Walden. Wilson attempted a pass to Evan Moore, who tipped the ball, which was then intercepted by rookie Jerron McMillian. The interception was overturned after the referees flagged Walden for a late hit on Wilson.

This was an awful call because Walden was already in the air as he was attempting to make a low tackle on Wilson. There was nothing Walden could have possibly have done to let up from tackling the quarterback.

The second horrendous call came later on the same drive. The Seahawks had first-and-25 after several consecutive holding penalties. Wilson lobbed the ball down the left sideline to Sidney Rice. Covering him was cornerback Sam Shields, who applied perfect coverage. Shields was looking back at the ball the entire way and put up his hand to make a play. Rice pulled Shields’ arm back and even grabbed his face mask before the ball ever got to either player.

For whatever reason, Shields was called for pass interference, which at the time was regarded as the worst call of the game. The cornerback had position to make a play and Rice was clearly doing whatever he could to make sure Shields did not intercept the ball. This injected more life into Seattle who was able to keep the drive alive, which eventually ended on Green Bay’s seventh yard line after a failed fourth down attempt.

After the Packers were unable to get a first down, the Seahawks got the ball back on Green Bay’s 46-yard line. After gaining 22 yards, Seattle was faced with a fourth-and-10 in which Wilson tossed a Hail Mary into the left part of the end zone.

Wide receiver Golden Tate clearly shoves Shields in the back, knocking him down, before jumping up for the ball. Packers’ safety M.D. Jennings clearly gets control of the ball in the air and hauls in the interception. The back official waves his arms in the air to signal a touchback while another referree signals a touchdown.

In the mix of all of this Tate somehow got a hold of the ball underneath a huge pile up that included several players and even a cameraman. The head referee signaled a touchdown, but because this was a scoring play, it had to be reviewed.

Green Bay fans around the world are not worried because the replay obviously shows a Jennings interception. Not to mention, ESPN analysts Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden both agree the ball has to be awarded to the Packers. Even ESPN’s referee correspondent says the evidence shows it to be an interception and the game should be over with Green Bay coming out victorious.

Somehow, some way, the head referee does not overrule the call and gives Seattle the win. This is after multiple angles show Jennings coming down with two hands around the ball in sole possession. This is an embarrassment for the league and these referees should be fined to the fullest extent.

The Packers should protest the game and provide visual evidence that proves they should have been awarded the victory. This is one of the most difficult sports in the world and there is so much hard work put in every week. It is one thing to lose a game fair and square, but to be robbed liked Green Bay was Monday night is inexcusable.

When every single NFL commentator on multiple programs and social media outlets agree this was the wrong call, you know something is wrong. Fans pay too much money and NFL teams invest too much emotion into the game they all love to be screwed over the way they have been in the first three weeks of the season. The Packers won the game and the league should recognize that.

Michael is a MLB and NBA Featured Writer for Rant Sports, but covers topics for various teams in baseball, basketball, and football. Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelTerrill and on Facebook.

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