I’ve often complained that the Pittsburgh Steelers get every call, and it frequently feels like that is the case. I couldn’t help but feel like the same thing was happening Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. Pittsburgh hung on for a 24-19 win over the Jets, shutting things down after going up 24-0 in the first half. They were already dominating early going up 17-0, but the touchdown to make it 24-0 made the lead nearly insurmountable. And much like the tuck rule call between the Patriots and Raiders, this play seemed sketchy.
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was already in a bad situation facing a 3rd and 17 at his 26 with his team down 17-0. As he dropped back to pass, he wound up to make a throw. Steelers CB Ike Taylor hit Sanchez as the quarterback was moving his arm to attempt a pass, and the ball was knocked loose. William Gay recovered the fumble and returned it for a touchdown, making it a 24-0 first-half butt-whooping. I thought for sure the play would be overturned, but I was wrong. Here are some pictures of Sanchez’s arm when he was hit:
NFL.com has the video for you to decide your thoughts on the call. I maintain Sanchez’s arm was moving forward and making a throw when he was hit. Seeing it in real-time and in slow motion only confirms what I felt. What do you think? Because for me, it was pretty clear the Jets got screwed on the call.
