The missed pass interference call wasn’t the only non-whistle that played a crucial role in deciding Sunday’s Super Bowl.
It appears that the officials also missed a flag on a key play in the final minutes. On the Rams’ game-winning touchdown drive in their 23-20 victory, a false start was missed on third-and-goal – a play that resulted in a holding penalty on the Bengals and a fresh set of downs for Los Angeles.
A replay clearly showed multiple Rams offensive linemen starting early. Had the whistle been blown, they would’ve been moved back five yards, which could have altered the game. After the defensive holding flag was thrown, LA quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with Cooper Kupp for the game-winning touchdown.
Of course, it was just one of many plays that could’ve gone either way. The Bengals benefitted from a non-call early in the second half, when Tee Higgins clearly grabbed Jalen Ramsey’s face-mask, dragging him down during his 75-yard touchdown catch.