The New York Giants are upset about the lack of a review on a controversial first down given to the Carolina Panthers on a run by Christian McCaffrey in the final minute of Sunday’s game.
The Panthers were down 31-30 and had the ball at the Giants’ 46 with 30 seconds left. They gave the ball to McCaffrey on a 3rd-and-1 play, and the back got close to the first down line before being pulled back and brought down well behind the marker.
Though McCaffrey was close to the line and it’s hard to say whether he got it, the officials awarded Carolina an immediate first down, allowing Cam Newton to spike the ball. The Panthers then won the game two plays later on a 63-yard field goal by Graham Gano.
Here’s the play:
did Christian McCaffrey cross that unofficial yellow line on the final drive? Where's the 'green zone' when you need it?! pic.twitter.com/mqkSnpXx9R
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) October 7, 2018
The lack of a review by the officials to at least check the spot — especially after what happened to the Browns last week — did not sit well with the Giants.
Snacks Harrison thought the refs “jumped the gun” with the first down call.
Giants didn't like the spot on Christian McCaffrey third-and-1 run in final minute.
Damon Harrison: "I think they jumped the gun a bit. From where I was, I don't think it was a first down. It was short."— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 7, 2018
Safety Landon Collins complained about “bogus calls” being made.
Asked Landon Collins what the mood is in the locker room: “The mood is we need better refs. That’s the mood. Point-blank, simple. It’s bogus calls being called out there.”
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 7, 2018
Many observers did not like the way the refs handled the matter.
How did the refs not review that McCaffrey first down?
— GiantsBlueBlooded (@RealTlkFB) October 7, 2018
And one last for good measure…..NO way did McCaffrey pick up a 1st down. Zero chance. Refs should be as sleepless as I'll be tonight. #NYG
— Dave Rothenberg (@RothenbergESPN) October 7, 2018
Even FOX graphic posted 4th-and-1 after McCaffrey was stopped short of line to make. Booth guy should be admonished for not stopping to look at play. But he won’t be. Officiating just gets worse and worse in this league.
— Vinny DiTrani (@sageman01) October 7, 2018
There really isn’t much of an excuse for not at least reviewing or measuring the spot on that play when it was so close to the marker. The Giants have a right to be upset.
