In their AFC divisional-round matchup with the Bills Sunday, the Bengals appeared to seize a critical third-and-goal opportunity with 1:55 left in the half. Quarterback Joe Burrow hit leaping wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the back of the end zone, and the play was called a touchdown on the field.
NFL replay officials, however, reversed the call on the grounds that Chase did not maintain possession throughout the process of the catch. Instead, subsequently facing fourth-and-goal, Cincinnati sent on kicker Evan McPherson for a successful 28-yard field goal attempt.
Faced with another controversial catch ruling in a big game, NFL writers and fans reacted with a combination of anger, disgust and confusion.