The Rams’ victory over the Vikings has sparked significant controversy due to a missed face mask call involving Sam Darnold, the Vikings quarterback. In the game’s final minutes, Darnold took a hit that appeared to include a clear face mask grab by Rams linebacker Ernest Jones. However, no flag was thrown by the officiating crew, drawing ire from Vikings fans and even some Rams followers.
The missed call has led to heated discussions across social media, with fans and analysts questioning the officiating quality. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commented, “It was an unfortunate moment. We expect officials to catch those, especially in a critical moment of the game.” The call, or lack thereof, left the Vikings in a difficult position, ending a drive that could have led to a late-game comeback.
Referee Alex Kemp addressed the incident post-game, noting that the officiating crew reviewed the play but did not feel that it met the threshold for a face mask penalty. However, replays show what many fans believe to be clear evidence of a penalty-worthy grab. Rams head coach Sean McVay, when asked about the controversy, refrained from delving into officiating specifics but acknowledged the intensity of the game.
The incident has fueled debate over whether the league should consider making certain penalties reviewable. For now, the Vikings and Darnold will have to accept the outcome, but the league’s officiating process will likely face increased scrutiny in the coming weeks.
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