As it turns out, no amount of evidence would’ve helped overturn Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole’s crucial touchdown reception. At least, none of the video angles available in-game would’ve done so.
For those of you who might’ve missed the action, Sunday’s game was wild. The second half between the Raiders and New England Patriots was the type of stuff we’ll be talking about for a while. While miscues and overzealous play decided the game’s ending, it was the previous scoring play that turned the tide. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr marched his team down the field and connected with Cole on a remarkable 30-yard reception that led to a touchdown. That score tied the contest even though it also left the Patriots with 32 seconds left. However, Patriots fans in attendance at Allegiant Stadium were no doubt up in arms when they saw the replay.
At first glance, it appeared Cole’s left foot was on the white, which led to some believing the touchdown call was going to be reversed. Even the on-air broadcasters cast doubt as they too saw the replay. Regardless, Walt Anderson, NFL Senior VP of Officiating, explained the reasoning behind standing pat with the on-field call.
No clear evidence that Keelan Cole’s foot was touching the white
In a transcript made available by Tom Pelissero, Anderson’s response to ESPN reporter Mike Reiss stated the following:
“We looked at every available angle and it was not clear and obvious that the foot was on the white. It was very tight, very close. There was no shot that we could see–we even enhanced and blew up the views that we had,” said Anderson. In addition, Anderson explained that the on-field ruling would’ve been correct either way. “We blew it up and I believe TV blew it up and there was nothing that was clear and obvious either way. Had the ruling on the field been incomplete, we would have not been able to change that either.”
In other words, it looks like the Raiders caught a break. In the end, Cole left this game as one of its heroes for the Raiders.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/David Becker
