One of the most significant plays in Sunday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders was one that didn’t count. Although the play in question did not affect who won, it drastically altered how the final moments played out—especially in juxtaposition to what had already transpired.
With 7:18 to play in a 23-7 game, it looked as though S Minkah Fitzpatrick had his first career sack, dropping Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo for a loss of six at the Steelers’ 24-yard line and setting up third and 16.
Instead, he was flagged for roughing the passer, the officials determining contact with Garoppolo’s head, even though the quarterback had turned into it the hit.