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Key overtime ruling in Colts-Chiefs ignored the "clear and obvious" standard
nbcsports.com • • general
Key Points:
- The NFL uses a "clear and obvious" standard for replay reviews to ensure consistent officiating, meaning a call on the field should only be overturned if there is undeniable evidence of an error.
- In the Colts vs. Chiefs overtime play, it was not clear and obvious that the ruling on the field was wrong regarding whether Colts receiver Laquon Treadwell was down by contact before fumbling.
- The lengthy review process and inconclusive evidence indicated that the officials did not meet the standard to overturn the call, yet the replay decision effectively re-officiated the play from scratch.
- The league was fortunate that the Colts did not capitalize on the controversial call and that the Chiefs ultimately won, but the incident highlights a flaw in the replay system and undermines the intended standard.
- Speculation exists that the replay official may have erred to avoid fueling narratives of NFL favoritism toward the Chiefs, but regardless, the league failed to uphold the "clear and obvious" criterion in this instance.
