Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the referees to miss an important call during this Saturday’s game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.
On the fifth drive of the game for the Browns, Joe Flacco attempted a pass to David Njoku. At first glance, it appeared as if Texans cornerback Steven Nelson got there too early to break up the play. The replay then reinforced that belief.
Despite the fact that Nelson clearly committed pass interference, the referees decided not to throw the flag.
Immediately after this no-call happened, the NFL community rushed to social media to rip the officials.
No flag was thrown here. Easily could’ve been pass interference. #CLEvsHOU pic.twitter.com/QFVax64EPx
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 13, 2024
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ESPN’s Louis Riddick said, “Refs missing that kind of PI is shameful.”
Refs missing that kind of PI is shameful
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 13, 2024
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“That’s literally Pass Interference everyday and on holidays,” one fan said.
That’s literally Pass Interference everyday and on holidays
— marshall newhouse (@MNewhouse73) January 13, 2024
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Another fan asked, “How do you not throw a pass interference flag there!?!?”
How do you not throw a pass interference flag there!?!?
— DynastyCLE (@DynastyCLE) January 13, 2024
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Defense has been optional for the Browns and Texans so far this Saturday. Apparently, the referees are making pass interference optional as well.
This AFC matchup is currently being televised on NBC.