A controversial holding penalty was called on Rams linebacker Marshall McFadden during a big Tavon Austin punt return in the final two minutes of the Rams-Chargers game Sunday, making St. Louis’ comeback attempt much more difficult.
St. Louis was down 27-24 and forced the Chargers into a 3-and-out with 1:47 left. The Chargers punted to Austin, who made a great return and was pushed out of bounds at the San Diego five. The big return would have given the Rams nearly a minute and a half to either win or tie the game. Instead, McFadden was called for holding, while Chargers punter Mike Scifres was called for a low block. The penalties offset at the spot where McFadden’s infraction occurred, meaning the Rams started with the ball at the 40 instead of the five.
Without that phantom holding penalty, the Rams would have been even closer to the goal line thanks to Scifres’ penalty.
The Rams did end up at the six following a Shaun Hill completion to Kenny Britt on third down, but Hill was intercepted two plays later to seal the win for San Diego.
The Rams had their chances, but that garbage penalty certainly did not help their efforts.
