Full Breakdown
Rams-Broncos Game-Changing Call: NFL Acknowledges Officials Erred on Late Pass-Interference Penalty
By Drooid · · How we work
Late-Game Pass Interference Alters Rams-Broncos Outcome
On September 28, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams led the Denver Broncos 26-23 with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter. On third-and-6 from the Rams’ 11-yard line, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw toward wide receiver Pat Bryant. Cornerback Josh Wallace appeared to intercept the pass, but officials flagged him for defensive pass interference (DPI), giving Denver a first-and-goal at the seven-yard line. The Broncos scored on the ensuing drive, winning 30-26.
NFL’s Post-Game Assessment
The league office later contacted Rams head coach Sean McVay and confirmed that the DPI call “should not have been” flagged. The Rams’ staff had requested clarification to aid future coaching, a routine practice for teams seeking consistency in officiating.
Background & Context
The controversy echoes the 2018 NFC Championship Game, where referee Bill Vinovich’s crew missed a defensive pass-interference call on Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, a decision that helped the Rams advance to the Super Bowl. The same referee officiated the 2026 Rams-Broncos game, intensifying scrutiny of the DPI call.
Data & Statistics
- Rams total yards: 273 (first half) vs. Broncos 67.
- Penalties: Rams 13 for 91 yards (most by the team since 2019); five of those occurred in the final two minutes, tying the NFL record for most penalties by one team in that span since 2000.
- Interception: Wallace’s potential game-sealing pick would have ended the contest with the Rams in possession and the clock winding down.
Official Statements & Responses
- The NFL communicated to McVay that the DPI flag was erroneous.
- Wide receiver Davante Adams echoed a similar sentiment, stating his feelings would not change the outcome.
- Broncos receiver Pat Bryant later admitted he “sold” the call, describing it as “a little pass interference.”
Criticism & Opposition
NBC referee analyst Terry McAulay argued the penalty was unwarranted, saying, “I don’t see the defender do anything that significantly hinders the receiver.” His assessment aligns with other analysts who viewed the flag as a misinterpretation of the play.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on whether Wallace actually interfered. Some analysts, citing the replay, argue that Bryant initiated the contact and should have been penalized for offensive interference. Others maintain that Wallace’s hand-fighting constituted a defensive foul. The NFL’s acknowledgment supports the former view, but no formal review mechanism exists for DPI calls in the final two minutes, leaving the dispute unresolved.
What’s Next
The Rams travel to Philadelphia for a Week 4 matchup against the Eagles, hoping to rebound from the loss while awaiting the return of wide receiver Puka Nacua from a groin injury.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Like I've told you, the only thing that matters to me is how to educate our players.” — Sean McVay, Rams coach (q1)
- “I’m not going to play the victim card,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach (q3)
- “It was… it was a little pass interference,” — Pat Bryant, Broncos receiver (q4)
- “The goal is to just get good, consistent feedback,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach (q5)
- “I don’t see the defender do anything that significantly hinders the receiver,” — Terry McAulay, NBC referee analyst (q26)