NBC rules analyst can’t explain controversial penalty that led to Broncos beating Rams
· Yahoo Sports
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams battled deep into Sunday night in a thrilling game that was one of the young season’s best. Ultimately the host Broncos were able to prevail, 30-26, as Talanoa Hufanga picked off Matthew Stafford near the goal line with zeroes on the clock. Bo Nix had led Denver on what proved to be the game-winning drive on the previous possession, but not without a good bit of controversy.
Los Angeles cornerback Josh Wallace appeared to have snagged a contest-sealing interception on a Nix pass intended for Pat Bryant on a spectacular bit of coverage. The Rams’ joy turned to frustration when an official tossed a flag in Wallace’s direction and a ruling of defensive pass interference came down.
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Denver would go on to punch in the pivotal touchdown a handful of plays later.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Why was pass interference called?
Pass interference calls are always subjective in the eye of the beholder. This one is even more sketchy as it seems Wallace a nearly perfect play on the ball. Even if he did technically make some contact with the receiver, he has every right to go for the ball.
NBC rules analyst Terr McAulay struggled to explain why such an important penalty would be called.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay did not believe Rams CB Josh Wallace should have been flagged for pass interference, in what may have otherwise been an interception.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 28, 2026
The Broncos went on to score what would serve as the game-winning TD. pic.twitter.com/A0YDJ8ZmZl
“As we get near the end we actually see the receiver grab the defender and pull him,” McAulay said on the broadcast. “I don’t see the defender do anything that significantly hinders the receiver on this play.”
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth asked some follow-up questions and all of them led to the same conclusion: that this was the wrong ruling. Or at the very least, not a ruling that made a lot of sense in that particular situation. Considering how crucial it was to the final outcome, one can understand why Rams fans would be upset about it this morning.
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