Kelvin Benjamin's TD vs. Patriots overturned by controversial review
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin inadvertently became the subject of controversy Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots.
Benjamin appeared to record a touchdown that would've given the Bills a halftime lead over the defending champions, and his play was originally deemed a score.
However, the play was reviewed, and the officiating crew determined Benjamin's foot wasn't on the ground while corralling the ball.
Kelvin Benjamin doesn't get credit for the TD catch. Had his foot and toe scrape but not given possession during that brief time. pic.twitter.com/7QyCvPOE1a
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) December 24, 2017
The NFL Football Operations department weighed in on the impending controversy.
In #BUFvsNE, when Kelvin Benjamin gains control, his left foot is off the ground. The receiver only has one foot down in bounds with control. Therefore, it is an incomplete pass. -AL
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) December 24, 2017
Former vice president of officiating Mike Pereira also gave his expert opinion:
Not in the studio but on the scoreboard here in Jerry's world, don't see how the Buffalo TD was overturned. Not clear and obvious the toe didn't drag. There is a line behind the toe when he drags it. Am I missing something?
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) December 24, 2017
regarding the Buffalo no touchdown, nothing more irritating to an official than to make a great call and then someone in a suit in an office in New York incorrectly reverses it. It is more and more obvious that there isn't a standard for staying with the call on the field.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) December 24, 2017
Here's another look:
Kelvin Benjamin, this is a touchdown. It better stand pic.twitter.com/bKcJaGdwc0
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) December 24, 2017