Report: Christian McCaffrey’s controversial first down run was reviewed in New York

The New York Giants were upset with the officiating crew following Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, most notably over the lack of replay on a controversial Christian McCaffrey first down in the final minute of the game. Apparently the play was reviewed, just not on the field.

The Panthers were down 31-30 and had the ball at the Giants’ 46 with 30 seconds left when they handed off to McCaffrey on 3rd-and-1. Replays showed that the star running back was close to the line to gain and may have even been short, but the game was not stopped for a review. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, officials in New York reviewed the play and determined it could not be overturned.

Among the #Giants’ complaints about officiating yesterday was lack of replay review on the spot that gave #Panthers a first down before their winning FG. I’m told New York actually did review the play — without stopping the game — and determined it would not have been overturned.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2018

It’s hard to overturn a spot, especially when there are so many bodies around and it’s almost impossible to tell exactly where the nose of the ball was. If you watch the play, you can see why it’s highly unlikely that the call on the field would have been changed.

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 Panthers went on to win the game on a 63-yard field goal from Graham Gano two plays later. It’s understandable that the Giants were upset after what happened to the Cleveland Browns last week, but there was little to no chance the spot was going to be changed. That’s why replay officials in New York decided not to stop the game, though the optics may have been better if they had.