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ESPN broadcaster Joe Buck criticized the referees for missing a critical penalty late in the Atlanta Falcons’ 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons went ahead late in the fourth quarter, giving the ball back to the Rams with less than 30 seconds left and no timeouts. On second down, Matthew Stafford took a deep shot to Tutu Atwell.
The pass fell incomplete around the 10-yard line, as the ball bounced off Atwell’s right arm. The “Monday Night Football” show then showed a replay of the incomplete pass that showed Falcons cornerback Dee Alford grabbing Atwell’s left arm, preventing him from making the catch.
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Joe Buck on the field before the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on November 6, 2023. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“They might have missed a pass interference,” Buck said upon watching the replay.
“I agree with you. He kind of goes up with one arm, he keeps that arm down. I think it’s pass interference,” rules analyst Russell Yurk responded.
“Watch Atwell’s left arm and the grab here, not allowing his arm to come up and make the catch. That’s a missed call,” Buck reiterated.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (5) cannot pass as he is defended by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) in the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
Had defensive pass interference been called, the Rams would have moved deep into Falcons territory with a chance to attempt a touchdown to win the game or score a field goal to tie the game.
Instead, there was no call and the game continued. On third down, Stafford hit star wide receiver Puka Nacua down the sideline for what appeared to be a spectacular one-handed catch just off the edge of the field.
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However, Nacua lost possession while falling, leaving the Rams on fourth-and-10 with five seconds remaining. On fourth down, Stafford tried to connect with Nacua again, but the pass fell incomplete and the Falcons pulled off the upset.
The Rams fell to 11-5 with the loss, but had already clinched a playoff spot. They can’t win the NFC West and will be the No. 5 or No. 6 seed depending on what happens in Week 18. The Rams face the Arizona Cardinals at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
