Did the referees cost the Houston Texans a touchdown during Monday night’s game against the Raiders? It’s hard to say, but the matter is certainly questionable.
The Texans had a 3rd and 7 situation from their 40 on their opening drive when Brock Osweiler completed a pass to DeAndre Hopkins near the sideline. Hopkins raced up the field, but there were questions about whether or not he stepped out of bounds. The officials blew the whistle after deciding he stepped out at the 36.
This is where they ruled Hopkins out at the 36. Hard to review plays blown dead but he likely would have scored. pic.twitter.com/wkqXNE9isr
— Mike Tunison (@xmasape) November 22, 2016
"This should've been a touchdown. I'm upset about it and I'm just a broadcaster." -Gruden pic.twitter.com/VOYQQW7Z0w
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 22, 2016
Some, including commentator Jon Gruden, thought that Hopkins was inbounds the whole time, but this screenshot makes it seem like the receiver stepped out:
Are people dumb? I hate still frames in sports but he clearly kicked up white chalk when you watch live #DeandreHopkins not #OutofBounds pic.twitter.com/GzolzYfniH
— Heel Fargo (@Just_Fargo) November 22, 2016
In any case, because the whistle was blown and the play was dead, there was nothing to review. The Texans ended up with a field goal on the drive.
