Refs tried and failed to end Steelers’ season with awful fourth-down spot

The officials tried and failed to screw over the Steelers on Sunday, as a fourth-down spot with just seconds remaining had the potential to end Pittsburgh’s season.

As they say, the ball don’t lie, and with just seconds left in the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh was gifted a little poetic justice.

The Titans faced a fourth-and-six in the red zone, and while Ryan Tannehill made a tremendous play to even give Tennessee a chance, his receiver was short by a solid yard. Jim Nance and Tony Romo even admitted as much on the live CVS broadcast.

Joe Haden made the play in his first game back from injury, and it kept the Steelers season alive.

Refs tried to end Steelers season in Week 15

The officials initially spotted the ball what looked to be just past the yard to gain thanks to forward progress. Yet, thanks to the benefit of instant replay, we know it really wasn’t that close after all.

Despite the officials’ best effort, the ball remained short by just inches. Tannehill was speechless, and the Titans sideline was furious. Mike Vrabel demanded a replay which, as one can imagine, didn’t go in their favor.

Heinz Field would’ve erupted in chaos had the game continued in any fashion. The Steelers were able to come back thanks to a bevy of fourth-quarter turnovers by the Titans, meaning they really only have themselves to blame.

Pittsburgh’s offense was abysmal, and could only turn those turnovers into field goals, giving the Titans one final chance to steal a victory. They came oh so close, in part thanks to incompetent officiating.

It’s just another week in the NFL.