The Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious, again, in Week 8 when they beat their AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, 28-24 at M&T Bank Stadium. But not all wins are created equal. The Steelers had to storm back from 10 points down to eventually complete the comeback, but the final Ravens drive was full of drama.
After Lamar Jackson hit Willie Snead to move the Baltimore offense into striking distance, it was the final play from scrimmage which has people talking. A pass intended for Snead was broken up by Minkah Fitzpatrick, and some fans are suggesting it should have been a penalty.
Matthew Judon accidentally bumps and official and gets tossed, Minkah Fitzpatrick takes Willie Snead’s head off and no call. That sums up the whole game. https://t.co/zpSsR3qHym
— (@kylegrantham) November 1, 2020
When watching the play live, it looked like a clean play. Then when you watch the play slowed down, you see how it was just that — a clean play.
As time expired, head coach John Harbaugh was seen on the sideline motioning to the officials that Snead was hit in the head. Others were thinking Fitzpatrick got there early, which would be defensive pass interference in the end zone, giving the Ravens one untimed down at the one yard line.
Again, when you watch the replay, neither happens.
Take a look at the video below, you can clearly see Justin Layne in a trail position, with Fitzpatrick coming from center field to make a play on the ball. As Layne makes contact with Snead’s lower half, it is Fitzpatrick, who is playing the ball, makes contact with Snead. Fitzpatrick was in perfect position, and if Layne doesn’t impact the play he might intercept the pass.
Take a look for yourself below:
Steelers defense called game ♂️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 1, 2020
(via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/0QyRGBnk11
What do you think? Clean play? Of course, Steelers fans are going to say it was timed perfectly, but if you were looking at it objectively, could you see a reason for Ravens fans to be disgruntled?
Let us know in the comment section below, and keep in mind the above highlight is in slow motion. Officials aren’t given that slow motion view when making a call in real time.
Either way, the Steelers walked away victorious, and are 7-0 as they now prepare for the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas in Week 9. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on the team as they continue to roll through the regular season.