The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 14 clash against the New England Patriots ended in a contentious play that stirred debate and criticism. In the final minutes of the game, with the Patriots trailing 21–18, a crucial play unfolded. The Patriots appeared to jump offsides, granting the Steelers a potential first down. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when a false start penalty was assessed, not against the Patriots but the Steelers’ long snapper, Christian Kuntz.

Questionable Penalty Decision

The decision to penalize Kuntz rather than the Patriots sparked immediate controversy. Even retired NFL referee Terry McAulay disagreed with the call, suggesting that New England should have been penalized. The circumstances surrounding the penalty prompted scrutiny, especially given the critical juncture of the game.

Insight into Penalty Decision

New information sheds light on why the flag was raised against Kuntz. According to Patriots Special Teams Coordinator Cam Achord, the penalty was attributed to Kuntz “sliding the ball and moving his hand at the same time.” This explanation aligns with a recent league-wide focus on specific nuances in long-snapping techniques.

League-Wide Emphasis on Technique

Achord’s statement reveals that the call was influenced by a league-wide emphasis on specific long-snapping actions. The league has been particularly attentive to instances where the snapper may be perceived as manipulating the ball or exhibiting movements that deviate from the standard technique. This newfound information provides context to the controversial call against Kuntz.

Difficulty in Detecting the Action

The action that led to the penalty is subtle and challenging to detect in real-time. It involves Kuntz tilting his head, causing slight movements in the football and his hands. The broadcast did not explicitly capture this detail, focusing instead on Kuntz raising his head. Despite its difficulty to discern, this specific action became the focal point of the penalty decision.

Coach’s Influence and Potential Appeal

Speculation arises regarding Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s potential influence on the referee’s decision. The Pat McAfee Show suggested that Belichick might have communicated the point of emphasis to officials, impacting the call against Pittsburgh. Despite receiving an explanation, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expressed uncertainty about agreeing with it, leaving room for potential appeals.

Impact on the Game

While the controversial call may have added a layer of complexity to the game’s closing moments, it cannot solely be held responsible for the Steelers’ defeat. The team had multiple opportunities throughout the game, and the offense failed to capitalize on a crucial possession. Despite the debate surrounding the penalty, the Steelers had chances to secure victory but ultimately fell short.