NFL wrong on key penalty call in Rams loss, coach says

The National Football League acknowledged that referees made an incorrect defensive pass interference call during the Los Angeles Rams’ recent loss to the Denver Broncos, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. The controversial penalty negated a late fourth-quarter interception, allowing Denver to score the decisive touchdown.

The Disputed Penalty

The crucial play occurred during the fourth quarter on a third-and-6 situation at the Los Angeles 11-yard line. Rams cornerback Josh Wallace intercepted a pass thrown by Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. However, officials flagged Wallace for defensive pass interference against Denver wide receiver Pat Bryant.

Instead of turning the ball over to Los Angeles, the penalty granted Denver a first-and-goal at the 7-yard line. The Broncos capitalized on the position change, scoring a touchdown to claim a 30-26 victory with 47 seconds remaining in the game.

League Feedback and Coaching Response

McVay submitted the video of the play to the NFL office on Monday to clarify how officials interpreted the interaction between Wallace and Bryant. On Wednesday, the head coach confirmed that the league conceded the penalty should not have been called.

McVay emphasized that his primary objective in seeking review was player instruction rather than protesting the result. He stated that his focus was obtaining “good, consistent feedback” to educate defensive backs on legal playing techniques during pass coverage. Recognizing that the result cannot be changed, McVay noted, “That game’s over with,” adding that the 1-2 team must focus on its next fixture.

Player Availability for Upcoming Game

The Rams move on to face the 2-1 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, with several key roster developments underway. Wide receiver Puka Nacua returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing two consecutive games due to groin soreness, and the team expects him to play.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Aaron Donald missed Wednesday’s practice session because of back soreness. Donald, who returned from retirement in late August, has an uncertain status for Week 4 as the coaching staff evaluates his progress daily.

Background

In American football, defensive pass interference occurs when a defender illegally hinders a receiver’s opportunity to catch a pass. When penalized in the NFL, the offensive team receives an automatic first down at the spot of the foul. NFL head coaches regularly submit disputed plays to league officiating directors after games to seek official clarifications on rule enforcement and coaching techniques.