Ball don’t lie: 3 worst calls from Week 14 in the NFL
By Mark Powell
1. Vikings pass interference on a Hail Mary
shhhh observe the very rare Hail Mary pass interference in the wild pic.twitter.com/WWAtN6z7hj
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 13, 2020
There’s nothing new about Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady getting a call or two. It’s textbook officiating, especially during his New England days. Yet, this seems excessive.
On the last play of the half in their Week 14 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Brady heaved a Hail Mary to familiar target Rob Gronkowski. First off, I was unaware Brady could still throw a football that far. Second, that is not pass interference, sorry.
Situational officiating does not exist — and shouldn’t, for that matter. BUT, the Vikings so-called pass interference on a Hail Mary is as close as officials should come to that fact. Two Vikings defenders surrounded Gronk and made next to no contact with him. However, the veteran tight end ran right through them, thus forcing contact and drawing a flag. Gronkowski is made for Hollywood after his playing days, and now we know why.
Mike Zimmer was furious, and he had every right to be.
Recap: All things considered, not a bad week! I typically expect the worst in late weeks, as the impact of poor officiating goes up with more battles for playoff positioning. Instead, Week 14 was as close to flawless as we’ve come this season. B.