Steelers' Mike Tomlin Absolutely 'Influenced Refs' During Big Review According To Packers Cornerback

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to improve their season record to 6-3 following a win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 of the NFL season. However, this victory has already come under intense scrutiny from numerous individuals due to some questionable decisions made by the officials that seemed to favor the Steelers. The overall quality of NFL officiating has been a topic of concern throughout this season, and Pittsburgh fans have particularly experienced this firsthand during certain defeats, including against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

On the Steelers’ 12-yard line, quarterback Kenny Pickett attempted a swing pass to running back Jaylen Warren. The ball, however, was not successfully caught by Warren, resulting in a fumble as it slipped from his grasp and bounced away. Without wasting any time, the Packers swiftly recovered the loose ball. The contention surrounding this play was on whether the pass had traveled backward or if it maintained a parallel path to its intended receiver.

Ruling Made in Favor of the Steelers is Deemed Questionable by Many

Following the initial ruling of an incomplete pass on the field, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur decided to challenge the call. Much to the surprise of both teams, the play call remained incomplete. This decision left many questioning the lack of clear and confirming evidence that would have justified overturning the original call. In a postgame interview, LaFleur expressed his belief that the play should have been deemed a lateral fumble recovery instead. Additionally, Gene Steratore, a former NFL official, came to the defense of the call, stating that the referees carefully examined multiple camera angles to accurately determine the precise location from which the pass was thrown.

During a recent appearance on the popular USA Today show in collaboration with Clubhouse, Keisean Nixon, the cornerback for Green Bay, expressed his own belief regarding the influence Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin had on the officials during a crucial call. Nixon shared during the Monday evening episode of the show that he distinctly recalled Tomlin communicating with the referees and claims that whatever he said had a profound impact on the decision they came to.

"I just remember the Steelers head coach saying something to the refs... whatever he said, it really influenced the refs. And they went with that call."

Former referee Dean Blandino strongly argued in a video for The 33rd Team that the play in question should have been called a fumble from the start or, at the very least, that the ruling should have been reversed upon further review. Despite the call being in favor of the Steelers, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity and ended up having to punt the ball two plays later. However, Pittsburgh managed to maintain their lead over the Packers at halftime, rather than falling behind as a result of a turnover.

Nonetheless, Warren had a breakthrough performance during the game, where he achieved a personal best by surpassing 100 yards in a single game. He also displayed exceptional efficiency by averaging an impressive 6.73 yards per carry on 15 rushing attempts and made a 16-yard sprint into the end zone for a touchdown during the early stages of the second quarter.

What are your thoughts on the decision made during the call? Do you believe that it should have been reversed and that Green Bay should have been given possession of the ball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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