Washington gifted turnover on questionable Justin Herbert fumble

Originally posted on DC Sports King | By King Motley | Last updated 9/12/21

The Washington Football Team caught a huge break thanks to a questionable ruling by officials Sunday. Defensive end Montez Sweat applied pressure off the edge on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. It appeared Herbert was able to throw the football away, falling short of his intended receiver in the end zone.

Montez Sweat with a huge play. Wins off the edge against the Chargers RT, gets his hand on the ball as Herbert goes to throw. Ruled fumble out of the back of the end zone for a touch back, but under review. pic.twitter.com/Z0CaR83h7P
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 12, 2021

However, the ruling on the field was that Sweat dislodged the football from Herbert’s hand. The live ball rolled out of the back of the end zone and was ruled a touchback. As a result Washington was awarded the turnover and possession of the football.

That's a crazy call. He clearly looked like he was throwing. Great play from Sweat.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 12, 2021

The play was reviewed and surprisingly the call on the field stood. Officially Sweat was credited with the strip sack.

The gift was huge. The Chargers were on an impressive drive. Trailing 16-13, Los Angeles seemed to be on their way to at least tying the game or taking the lead. Instead, Washington provided a key stop to preserve the three-point advantage.

It’s been a rough day for this particular officiating crew. They missed a blatant facemask in the first quarter by the Chargers that should have given Washington a first down. This questionable call benefited Washington.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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