1 hour ago
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Fans are up-in-arms after the referees in 'Thursday Night Football' blew a play dead too early - denying the Los Angeles Rams a clear opportunity to turn the tide of the game.
Late in the third quarter - as the Rams played their NFC West-division-rivals, the San Francisco 49ers - the Los Angeles defense made a key play.
As Niners running back Isaac Guerendo returned the kickoff, Rams linebacker Shaun Dolac came in with a hit to jar the ball loose.
In the ensuing scrum for the ball, Los Angeles recovered to the delight of the home fans at SoFi Stadium.
However, the turnover didn't count because the referees blew the play dead before the ball came loose.
Many fans noted that it was an abnormally early whistle, giving the ball back to the Niners.
The Los Angeles Rams believe they should've had a fumble on this kickoff return. However, the referees blew their whistles early, citing stopped forward progress, and the 49ers kept the ball.
The Niners got a key stop on 4th and 1 in overtime that ended the game in a San Francisco win
'The 49ers fumble call was robbed by the quick whistle. Forward progress is a judgement call, and this one felt rushed, costing a potential turnover. Refs need to let close plays breathe a bit,' said one user on X.
Another comment read, 'Wtf is with the early whistles so far? Every game theyre blowing plays dead before they even finish.'
'this gotta be one of the worst calls I've seen in some time,' read another user's post.
San Francisco did not finish that play with a score, instead punting the ball back to the Rams.
Los Angeles was able to score a touchdown to equalize the game at 20-20.
A few drives later, the Niners kicked a field goal to take a three-point lead. Los Angeles equalized at 23-23 to send the game to overtime.
In the extra period, San Francisco's early field goal was enough to solidify a win after the Rams' gamble to run the ball on 4th and 1 in the red zone was stuffed.
