The Carolina Panthers committed a roughing the passer call late in the game that ended up being a crucial call.
Going into Week 3, the Carolina Panthers were riding some momentum after getting their first win just a week ago. The Panthers beat the Atlanta Falcons in convincing fashion to move to 1-1 on the year.
On Sunday, they were a few minutes from moving to 2-1 on the season and appeared to have the game-sealing interception. But a roughing-the-passer call on linebacker Bobby Okereke negated an interception by Akayleb Evans.
Okereke was flagged with just over two minutes left and the Panthers were leading 18-13 in the game. The flag was for Okereke hitting Deshaun Watson up high in the head, although it didn't look like much on the replay.
It's a play that Panthers fans are going to argue with and want back, as it was a huge play and probably the difference-maker late. With Carolina battling back to take the lead, they hoped that play would seal it.
After the game, head coach Dave Canales was asked his thoughts on the play. In that answer, he admitted he saw someone's hands hit Watson's helmet. He said that his team can't do that and they have to get lower.
It's a tough play, but Canales is right. The hands have to go lower and it won't be called a penalty. Canales also went on to say that his team made the wrong decision and that they gave Watson and the Browns an extra life.
Watson was able to make them pay and extend plays with his legs. Carolina has struggled against mobile quarterbacks as Caleb Williams and the Bears offense put up 59 points on this defense in Week 1. But that's a better team than Cleveland and the fact that Carolina allowed them to stay in this game and eventually win it is tough.
As for the mistake, it's something that the Panthers are going to have to lean from. They have been flagged a few times for roughing the passer already this season through three games. It's a rule that is hard to understand at times and there can be bad calls. But more discipline with it is key.
The Panthers are going to have to turn the page quickly this week as they will welcome in the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. It's the first time in 10 years the Panthers will host Sunday Night Football and the stadium should be rocking in Week 4 for Carolina.
