Overview
- ProFootballTalk, citing three sources, reports Terry McAulay phoned NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson during the delay, prompting the replay review.
- The review began roughly 100 seconds after the play, with referee Brad Allen announcing it after both teams had prepared for the kickoff.
- Officials ultimately ruled Sam Darnold’s throw a backward pass recovered by Zach Charbonnet for a two-point conversion that tied the game at 30.
- The NFL said Anderson communicates with broadcast partners during games but asserted that broadcast commentary does not influence officiating outcomes.
- McAulay declined to detail the interaction, and multiple outlets highlighted the unusual timing and the play’s competitive ripple effects on Seattle and Los Angeles.