Washington beat New Orleans 20-19 on Sunday, stopping a 2-point conversion attempt after time had expired. The win keeps the Commanders in the seventh and final playoff spot with three games remaining. However, both teams expressed frustration over officiating calls.
The Saints’ last-play touchdown was facilitated by an incorrect clock stoppage, which allowed the team to run to the line and score before the clock expired. Referee Shawn Hochuli stated that the covering official mistakenly stopped the clock in this situation, saying it was not reviewable.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn took the high road when discussing the issue, saying “those three seconds are critical” but did not elaborate further. In contrast, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi was more vocal about his disappointment, stating that officials allowed a field goal attempt to continue despite time having expired and another disputed call that extended a Washington drive.
Rizzi also expressed frustration over a penalty on the Saints’ first series, which gave the Commanders an early lead. The Saints’ quarterback Spencer Rattler said he was more bothered by finishing the previous series without points than the officiating errors.
The win marked a crucial victory for the Commanders, who remain in playoff contention with three games remaining. Despite the officiating disputes, both teams are moving forward and preparing for their next opponents, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42992872/officials-mistakenly-stopped-clock-upset-commanders-saints