The Los Angeles Rams are in the Super Bowl because of a non-flag in a pivotal moment. They may have been the victims of a key point in the game thanks to a first quarter flag.
Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman blew up a New England play in the backfield, but was called for an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver that gave the Patriots a first down on what was set to be 3rd and about 20 deep within their own territory.
Was this hit a penalty on the Rams defender? The ref thought so.. pic.twitter.com/pYN84rEfB6
— Pros and Joes (@ProsAndJoesPod) February 3, 2019
The official explanation was that Rex Burkhead had yet to establish himself as a runner and was thus characterized as a defenseless receiver, and was the victim of a helmet-to-helmet hit by Robey-Coleman.
"Personal foul, knocking the Saints out of the playoffs and getting us in trouble with our bosses. 15 yards, automatic 1st down." pic.twitter.com/R3Ewu9Lfts
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) February 3, 2019
Ironically, Robey-Coleman was the Ram who got lucky on the no-call in the NFC Championship. Certain people from New Orleans will probably see this as karmic, but it did cost the Rams a likely stop on the second drive of the game.
