Refs make horrific call against Saints in first half vs. Giants

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated 12/17/23

Another week. More embarrassment for NFL referees. Amid plenty of controversy regarding penalties, the referees in the New Orleans Saints-New York Giants game called unnecessary roughness on Saints DB Alontae Taylor.

The problem? Taylor simply tackled Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger.

There was no helmet to helmet contact or force placed to the head/neck area. He was not defenseless, either. Bellinger had caught the pass, turned upfield, and taken a couple of steps before a solid hit from Taylor.

THIS might be the worst "Unnecessary Roughness" penalty I've ever seen. What happened to the game I love?? pic.twitter.com/OMKezNZoaq
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) December 17, 2023

It's yet another unacceptable call from the officials around the league. Player safety is very important, but defensive players must still be able to make tough hits on offensive players. You cannot outlaw those.

End of the NFL as we know it. This could be the worst call of the year.

Unnecessary Roughness on New Orleans for this tackle. ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/WAjq7XFmht
— Lawrence Tynes (@lt4kicks) December 17, 2023

Many members of the media were displeased with the call one Taylor. That makes plenty of sense. Some even called it the worst penalty call of the season. Saints HC Dennis Allen was frustrated, too.

Awful unnecessary roughness call on Alontae Taylor. Dennis Allen was so upset by the flag that he came on to the field and lost his headset while animatedly thrusting his fist at the officials.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 17, 2023

That's legitimately embarrassing to call a penalty on that.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) December 17, 2023

The Giants would have had to punt after the tackle if no penalty was called. Instead, New York got fifteen yards that they did not deserve. Taylor also picked up a penalty for making a fantastic player in open space.

The drive ended with a field goal, so the score at the half is 7-6 instead of 7-3, Saints.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: