A moving of the goal posts?
NFL fans went off on the officials Sunday during the Rams’ eventual 20-17 overtime win in Chicago, when star receiver Davante Adams went down with the ball, only for the rock to end up in the hands of Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson in what was ruled a catch.
The play, which transpired early in the fourth quarter with the Bears and Rams tied at 10 apiece, triggered the memories of those who watched the Bills’ playoff heartbreak one day prior, when a Josh Allen pass intended for Buffalo receiver Brandin Cooks was ripped from his hands by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian in extra minutes and ruled an interception.
Even though it was speculated that Cooks was already down, the momentum swung right back to the Broncos, with Will Lutz’s 23-yard field goal securing the 33-30 triumph.
“The Bills would like to have a word,” one X user posted in response to Adams’ catch.
“Catch? How come Brandin cooks one wasn’t lol so inconsistent,” another posted on X.
Another fan added, “I mean that was literally not a catch for Buffalo and cost them their season.”
The Rams would go on to score a touchdown on the drive and take a 17-10 lead.
With the fallout from Saturday’s game still ongoing for Buffalo — the team fired longtime coach Sean McDermott on Monday — NFL rules analyst and former official Terry McAulay said Sunday the refs made the right call on Adams, who was ruled down by contact.
“He clearly completed the catch on this one,” McAulay said, according to Yahoo Sports. “He has it long enough to perform an act common to the game, and then he goes to the ground, and his knee goes down prior to him losing control.”
Adams finished the night with two receptions for 24 yards on six targets.
The Rams’ cross-country playoff tour will take them to Seattle next weekend for an NFC Championship against the divisional rival Seahawks.
