Vikings vs Colts: Referee Tries to Explain Latest Missed Roughing Call Against Sam Darnold

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Sam Darnold : Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Sunday Night Football was a wild ride. The Minnesota Vikings started off the slowest they have all season, putting a grand total of 0 points on the board for the entire first half. On the contrary, they also had one of the most productive 2nd halves of the season, posting 21 points to come back and beat the Indianapolis Colts, 21-13.

In the process, rookie phenom Will Reichard tweaked a right leg injury, which caused him to miss two field goals, one from 31 yards out. The Vikings defense was much better than what we have seen in the past two contests. Oh, and riding the Sam Darnold rollercoaster was worth the price of admission.

Darnold went 28-of-34 for 290 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His 82% completion rate was incredibly impressive, and some of the throws he made were even better. But then… he goes and makes some of the most boneheaded plays of any QB in the NFL.

Sam Darnold takes another no-call hit to the head

But his fatal mistake from week 9 wasn’t really his fault. In fact, it looked pretty clear in real time, and upon review, that his fumble, which led to a scoop and score touchdown for the Colts, was going to be called back for illegal contact to the head of the QB. But then… it wasn’t. Even former ref Terry McAulay couldn’t believe it.

It’s difficult to know why NFL referees dislike Sam Darnold so much. Maybe it’s his red hair, or that he’s a really terrible interview subject. Maybe they are playing against him in fantasy football? Who knows, but that’s two straight weeks Darnold has taken a shot to the head that was not called. Each time, the no-call resulted in points for the other team.

Related: Will Reichard Injury Update: Latest on Minnesota Vikings Kicker

Last week, it was a no-call facemask that resulted in a safety. That one ended the Minnesota Vikings’ night vs the LA Rams. This week, it was a forearm to Sam Darnold’s facemask that caused a fumbled, which was returned for a touchdown.

Unlike last week, a flag was thrown on the play. But then, it was picked up. Much like after week 8 vs the Rams, the referees acted like stubborn, arrogant assholes after the game, when asked by the game’s pool reporter (Kevin Seifert – ESPN) why they didn’t call a penalty for illegal contact to a quarterback’s helmet on that play.

PFWA Pool Reporter Kevin Seifert Interview with Referee Shawn Smith

Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, November 3, 2024

Question: Can you tell me what you saw to originally throw the flag (on the Indianapolis fumble return for a touchdown)?

Smith: “What I originally saw was a potential facemask on that high hit on the quarterback.”

Question: What went into deciding to pick it up?

Smith: “We determined that the initial force was at the shoulder and it was incidental contact to the head and neck area.”

Question: Does it matter if it is the forearm or the hands or the helmet that hits in an area? Would a forearm to the head still be considered a blow to the head?

Smith: “Well, I did not see that.”

Question: Was replay assist allowed to help you with that at all? Smith: “No, it was not.”

via Kevin Seifert (ESPN) on Twitter (X)

What are NFL referees trying to prove here…?

Again, how many times do we need to see Sam Darnold get hit in the head before we make these plays reviewable, or we give referees the tools to make sure the penalties get called in real time? Does he have to get his head completely knocked or ripped off? It’s safe to say Kevin O’Connell was not a fan of the no-call.

Related: Minnesota Vikings ‘Prospect X’ Expected to Make NFL Debut vs Colts

I get it, we got too used to penalties being called against pass rushers, who did nothing more than graze the helmet of a QB. Nobody wants to go back to that. But the Minnesota Vikings quarterback nearly got his head ripped off his shoulders last week, just to have it followed with a WWE clothesline this week (also not called).

Let’s find that happy common sense medium, because it shouldn’t be this difficult. And I’d rather Sam Darnold keeps his head on his shoulders, at least while quarterbacking my favorite football team.

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