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NFL Confirms Erroneous Pass-Interference Call in Rams-Broncos

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 2:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

NFL Acknowledges Error

The NFL told Sean McVay the pass-interference flag on Josh Wallace was erroneous.
Referee Bill Vinovich, who also officiated the disputed 2018 NFC Championship call, crewed the game.
Broncos receiver Pat Bryant admitted he “sold” the contact to generate the penalty.
The league declined comment when reporters requested written confirmation of Bryant’s admission, reviving replay-review debate.

Summary

Rams Lose Lead

The Los Angeles Rams lost 30-26 to the Denver Broncos after surrendering a 16-point halftime lead.
Rams outgained Denver by 225 yards, the largest yardage differential for a losing team in two seasons.
Five penalties in the final two minutes tied the most by any team since 2000.
Special-teams miscues, including a punt return to the Rams’ 42-yard line, helped Denver build momentum.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 2002 AFC-divisional playoff between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders sparked the infamous “tuck rule” call that turned a fumble into an incomplete pass, allowing the Patriots to tie with a 45-yard field goal and win in overtime before capturing Super Bowl XXXVI. The rule was repealed by a 29-1 vote on March 20 2013, shaping today’s heightened scrutiny of officiating.

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NFL Acknowledges Error

The NFL told Sean McVay the pass-interference flag on Josh Wallace was erroneous.
Referee Bill Vinovich, who also officiated the disputed 2018 NFC Championship call, crewed the game.
Broncos receiver Pat Bryant admitted he “sold” the contact to generate the penalty.
The league declined comment when reporters requested written confirmation of Bryant’s admission, reviving replay-review debate.

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