2 weeks Ago By Gilbert McGregor
Week 8 of the NFL season is starting with a controversy. A non-call at the end of "Thursday Night Football" resulted in the Vikings picking up their second consecutive loss after a 5-0 start to the season. With under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Vikings trailed the Rams, 28-20.
After a great punt from L.A., Minnesota was pinned on its 5-yard line and needed to drive 95 yards in 106 seconds for an opportunity to tie the game.
After a declined Minnesota penalty on first down, Vikings QB Sam Darnold was sacked in the end zone, resulting in a safety and effectively ending any opportunity to tie the game. There appeared to be illegal contact on the sack, but no flag was thrown, drawing the ire of every member of the Minnesota contingent. Here's more on the controversial non-call that ended Minnesota's comeback bid.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule Rams-Vikings 'facemask,' explained On second down, Darnold dropped back in the end zone but was brought down by Rams LB Byron Young. Upon closer look, however, Darnold's head jerks as Young grabs him by the facemask to make the tackle. HOW???? Refs miss this obvious face mask on Sam Darnold.
#MINvsLAR pic.twitter.com/NtjzQgfIba Despite the clear illegal contact, no flag was thrown for a facemask.
If a flag were thrown, it would have resulted in a 15-yard penalty and a first down, giving Minnesota's offense some breathing room as it attempted its two-minute drill. The NFL rulebook's stance on facemask penalties is clear, as it states "No player shall grasp and control, twist, turn, push, or pull the facemask of an opponent in any direction." Instead of a facemask, the sack stood, resulting in a safety.
The Rams took a 30-20 lead and securely caught the Vikings' onside kick attempt on the ensuing free kick, effectively ending the game. MORE: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings | Week 8 NFL picks | Week 8 NFL picks against the spread Why non-call on Sam Darnold safety is not a reviewable play Fouls like facemasks are not reviewable, per official NFL rules. It was not called in the moment, and Minnesota could not enact a review for the officiating crew to throw a flag retroactively.
The officials did not confer after the non-call, though the Vikings were irate, including Darnold, head coach Kevin O'Connell, and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson..
