New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) in the end zone on fourth and goal in the final minute of the fourth quarter at FedExField. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst says pass interference should have been called at end of Commanders-Giants game

Originally posted on DC Sports King
By King W. Motley III | Last updated 12/19/22

The Washington Commanders may have a case to be upset with the officials in Sunday’s 20-12 loss to the New York Giants.

The Commanders faced a fourth-and-goal from the six-yard line with 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke flung a pass to the end zone for wide receiver Curtis Samuel. However, the ball got knocked down, sealing the Giants’ win.

A closer review reveals a lot of contact between Samuel and Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes. Holmes grabs Samuel throughout the play. He bumps and hooks Samuel across the arm, preventing Samuel from extending for the ball.

No penalty got called on the play. Yet, NBC rules expert Terry McAulay believes a flag should’ve been thrown for pass interference.

NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay says refs missed a DPI on Curtis Samuel:

“This is defensive pass interference … it’s always a foul and should have been called.” pic.twitter.com/8teYF6UBxd
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) December 19, 2022

“It’s clearly a foul,” McAuley said after the game on NBC’s postgame broadcast. “He grabs his arm, he plays through the back and it’s clearly before the ball gets there. This is defensive pass interference and it really should be called whether it’s the end of the game, the beginning of the game, doesn’t matter; it’s always a foul and should have been called.”

The huge no-call came moments after the officials erased a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown with just over one minute remaining due to an illegal formation penalty against Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Washington falls to 7-6-1 on the season, dropping to the seventh and final NFC playoff spot with three weeks remaining. Meanwhile, the Giants improved to 8-5-1 and now hold the tiebreaker with Washington.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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