Matt LaFleur Fires Clear Message on Controversial Play vs. Steelers
GettyThe controversial forward throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers was discussed by Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
In Week 10, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense defeated the Green Bay Packers 23–19 thanks to two interceptions late in the fourth quarter. However, if a call had not been made on a Kenny Pickett pass attempt in the first half, the Steelers might not be in that situation.
At the Steelers 16-yard line with 3:33 left in the second quarter, Pickett hit running back Jaylen Warren with a swing pass. Pickett’s throw was behind Warren, not in front of him, as he moved into the apartment. The running back dropped the ball because he didn’t react fast enough.
The referees declared the pass incomplete and blew the whistle. However, the CBS broadcast team suggested that the effort could have been performed backwards, which would have rendered Warren’s drop ineffective.
Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Packers, contested the play. After more examination, the authorities upheld the incomplete pass decision.
Nevertheless, LaFleur continued to believe at his postgame press conference that the effort was backwards.
After the game, LaFleur told reporters, “I thought it was very apparent to me, but somebody else felt differently, so I suppose that’s the way it is.” “I suppose I was in error.”
After Warren dropped the ball, Packers linebacker Rashan Gary grabbed it up and ran it back into the end zone. At the very least, Green Bay would have gotten the ball inside the Steelers 10-yard line if the officials had called Pickett’s attempt backward.
Steelers Are Happy With Their Forward Pass Decision?
Replay can be used to overturn a forward pass call, as CBS Sports rules commentator Gene Steratore noted during the game. Using a variety of camera angles, Steratore clarified why it’s not immediately apparent that the endeavor was unsuccessful.
After the play was left unfinished, Steratore proceeded through the replay review procedure on X, previously Twitter.
“In many decisions, referees will ‘piece’ together perspectives to depict the whole action,” Sternatore stated. “This removes any potential for bias that may arise from certain camera angles.”
According to Steratore, Pickett seems to release the ball around the 9.25-yard line because his throwing arm is behind his rear leg when he does so.
After that, it would be challenging to declare with certainty that the ball touches Warren’s hands behind the 9.25-yard line.