The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to bad calls made by officials. Some of these calls can decide a game if missed. There were two calls this Sunday that would have shifted the game script if called correctly.
George Pickens made a diving catch with 3 minutes 44 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter. Viewers could see that A.J. Terrell tried to touch Pickens down and missed, in which George Pickens got up and ran for around 10 yards more. The referees, however, missed the call and claimed that Pickens was marked down back at the Atlanta 28-yard line.
The referees’ presence was also felt on the defensive side of the ball. With 38 seconds remaining in the 1st half of the game, T.J. Watt spectacularly timed the Atlanta Falcons snap and strip-sacked Kirk Cousins, which should have resulted in a turnover for the Steelers. The referees, however, labeled this impressive feat of timing and patience an offsides penalty. The very next play, Kirk Cousins hit tight end Kyle Pitts for a touchdown.
The Steelers should not put themselves in positions where non-reviewable calls like these can decide the game. As close as the Steelers win their games, the officials are bound to make or break a contest, one way or another.
Steelers beat the Falcons and the Refs today. Very impressive.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 8, 2024
