Ball Don’t Lie: 3 worst calls from Week 9 in the NFL

Bears were defeated by the Steelers, and the officials

It’s rare that I’ll ever go as far as to say a result should be overturned due to the officiating crew, but the Bears have a clear case. Three calls from Monday night — all in the second half — stick out as potential game-changers.

First, Justin Fields was roughed on a play by Alex Highsmith. Had Fields been, I don’t know, Tom Brady, he would’ve been fined.

That’s clear as day, and Highsmith has to know better as a defensive player. You can bet the Steelers and Mike Tomlin will go over that with him in the film room. It sure as hell should’ve earned a flag.

Next, Chase Claypool earned a pass interference call on the Bears on a play that should’ve been flipped, if anything.

Thankfully, the Steelers did not score on the drive, but it set a standard for Chicago. At this point, the Bears had to think the fix was in.

But wait, it gets worse.

https://twitter.com/FTBVids_YT/status/1457924128082595843

Not only was Cassius Marsh called for taunting at a critical moment in the fourth quarter — a penalty that should never be given in that moment unless it’s egregious — he was given said flag in part because he bumped an official.

But, did he really bump the official, or did Tony Corrente bump him? Instant replay doesn’t do Corrente any favors, in which it looks like he hip-checked Marsh on the way to the sideline.

Needless to say, it’s understandable that Marsh wasn’t happy. He tried his hardest not to earn a fine from the league in his postgame press conference, but if there were ever a time to put the officiating on blast, it was then and there.