The NFL reportedly told the Los Angeles Rams that the controversial pass interference penalty that erased a late interception against the Denver Broncos should not have been called.
The Denver Broncos received a major break from the officials during their dramatic comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
And now the NFL has reportedly admitted the penalty was a mistake.
Rams coach Sean McVay revealed Wednesday that the league told Los Angeles the controversial defensive pass interference penalty that wiped out a late interception in Denver's 30-26 victory should not have been called.
The Rams submitted the play to the NFL for review after the game, and McVay said the league acknowledged that cornerback Josh Wallace should not have been flagged.
The development comes days after Broncos receiver Pat Bryant acknowledged that he “sold” the controversial penalty.
Denver trailed 26-23 late in the fourth quarter when Bo Nix threw toward Bryant on third down.
Wallace intercepted the pass, which would have put the Rams in position to close out the victory.
Instead, officials flagged Wallace for defensive pass interference and wiped out the turnover.
Denver received a first down and eventually scored the winning touchdown on Nix's 1-yard quarterback sneak with 47 seconds remaining.
Talanoa Hufanga then intercepted Matthew Stafford in the end zone to secure the Broncos' 30-26 victory.
The call immediately drew criticism, and Bryant added to the controversy Monday when he admitted he had tried to sell the contact to officials.
The play also became part of a larger discussion about the NFL's continuing problems with pass interference.
Now there is little debate about how the league ultimately viewed this particular play.
McVay said Wednesday that the Rams received confirmation from the NFL that Wallace should not have been penalized. He said his focus is making sure the Rams understand how their defensive backs should handle similar situations moving forward.
The league's admission obviously won't change the result.
Denver improved to 2-1 with the victory and is preparing to visit the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
But it adds another remarkable layer to the Broncos' comeback.
Bryant admitted he sold the contact. The Rams sent the play to the league for review. Now McVay says the NFL has acknowledged the flag that helped keep Denver's winning drive alive should never have been thrown.
