DPI Standard Shifted by Officials in Bills-Broncos Overtime

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

In a dramatic overtime matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, officiating decisions played a crucial role. The turning points came from a series of pass interference calls that stirred considerable debate.

DPI Standard Shifted by Officials in Bills-Broncos Overtime

During the first 60 minutes of regulation, no penalties for pass interference were issued. However, the landscape changed drastically during the overtime period.

Key Events in Overtime

Two pass interference penalties were called against the Bills on Denver’s final drive.
The first call involved Bills cornerback Taron Johnson, resulting in a 17-yard gain for the Broncos, moving the ball to the Buffalo 36.
The second penalty was against cornerback Tre’Davious White, advancing the ball from the 38 to the Bills’ 8-yard line.

Referee’s Explanation

Referee Carl Cheffers provided clarification after the game. He explained that the first interference call was due to Johnson restricting the receiver’s arm during a pass attempt. The second call was made for early contact that hindered the receiver’s ability to catch the ball.

Controversy Over Consistency

The crux of the issue was consistency in officiating. Late in regulation, Broncos cornerback Riley Moss allegedly committed a similar infraction against Bills receiver Brandin Cooks, which went unpenalized. This inconsistency raised questions regarding the application of the rules throughout the game.

If the earlier contact had been called as interference, the Bills could have potentially secured a victory in regulation. Instead, the Broncos benefited from the officials’ decisions, which shifted the outcome of the game.

Conclusion

As the Bills face the aftermath of these officiating decisions, the disparity in calls raises concerns about the NFL’s standards for pass interference. The Bills were left without any key calls in their favor, while the Broncos capitalized on crucial penalties, showcasing a notable shift in the game’s officiating.