Missed penalty call may have led to Charger’s win

The San Diego Chargers put together a brilliant fourth quarter comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 27-24 overtime win.  Before the Chargers won in overtime, the Chiefs had a chance to win the game with four seconds to go in regulation.  However, Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop missed the go ahead field goal, and set up San Diego’s overtime victory.

According to NBC, the Chargers should have been called for a penalty during the field goal attempt. San Diego had seven players on one side of the ball when they lined up against the attempt, and the rules allow only six players.  If the penalty was spotted by the officials, then the Chiefs would have gotten a second field goal attempt five yards closer.

If the Chargers lost to the Chiefs, the Pittsburgh Steelers would have claimed the sixth seed in the AFC Playoffs.  Instead, San Diego secured the sixth seed, and Steeler fans are left speculating what could have been.

It is fair to speculate, but it won’t do anyone good.  The lesson is to never rely on other teams to make the playoffs.  When you rely on other teams, crazy plays (or calls, or missed calls) are bound to happen.