How NFL blew obvious call in 49ers-Seahawks Thursday Night Football controversy
The NFL’s command center may need to upgrade.The league did not overturn a clear turnover by the Seahawks since it did not have the proper video showing a muffed punt return by Seattle during its 36-24 home loss to the 49ers.The ball clearly hit Seattle’s Dee Williams fingertips before being recovered by San Francisco, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s challenge went for naught.“Once we had the San Francisco challenge, we were looking to see if the returner did indeed touch the ball,” NFL vice president of replay training and development Mark Butterworth told the pool reporter.“We went through all available angles, and we get the raw feed from the truck.
And there was not clear and obvious video evidence that the returner touched the ball.“After looking at all available angles, we made the determination that we were going to stand on the call because there was not clear and obvious video evidence.
Once Craig (Wrolstad) made his announcement and they came back from TV, the network had an enhanced shot that they did not send at all until after they played his announcement.”It’s not often that the NFL blows a clear and obvious call that is not based on judgement — so pass interference does qualify here — and Thursday’s botch raises question about its review process.Thankfully for the 49ers and the league, the play did not affect the final outcome.The 49ers led, 23-17, before punting to Seattle to open the fourth quarter.If the 49ers recovery had counted, they would have been set up with a prime scoring opportunity to extend their lead.The Seahawks were unable to capitalize, punting after gaining one first down.
It’s clear where the NFL thinks the blame should lie.“And, just to be clear, they did not share that angle with us throughout the review process,” Butterwroth told the pool reporter.While no play had been run during the time the time the video become available, Butterworth said the NFL could not change its call at that point in ti...