Heading into Sunday’s matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens, fans anticipated one of the highest levels of quarterback play seen all season. However, CBS color analyst Tony Romo expressed concerns over the officiating, suggesting that the referees failed to adequately protect the two MVP candidates. In the second quarter, Lamar Jackson scrambled for a first down, stepping out of bounds just moments before being tackled by Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver, provoking considerable frustration on the Ravens’ sideline.
Following the hit, both Jim Nantz and Tony Romo promptly voiced their belief that a flag should have been thrown for a late hit. “Jackson fakes the throw and takes off for about 11,” Nantz noted, indicating that Oliver’s tackle may have been too late. “That might have been a little late, Ed Oliver. And they are letting it be known on that sideline that they don’t appreciate that. But no flag.” Romo concurred, stating, “I mean, I feel like that was late. He’s too precious; you can’t allow that to happen. If he goes down, that changes everything real fast.” Meanwhile, CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore seemed to justify the no-call, explaining that officials might have interpreted Oliver as simply finishing a tackle that began before Jackson went out of bounds.
“I see Oliver that grabs him right before he’s out of bounds… They’re allowing him to finish the tackle there, as opposed to a hit that happens or is initiated after he’s out of bounds.” – Gene Steratore
“I feel like that was late.” – Tony Romo
“I do too.” – Jim Nantz #NFL pic.twitter.com/MlD92LefHI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 20, 2025
A replay of the tackle reveals the officials may have overlooked a possible hip drop tackle, a move the league is attempting to phase out. Jackson’s legs were caught underneath Oliver during the tackle, which could have resulted in a serious injury. Fortunately, Jackson did not appear to be harmed following the play. Romo accurately highlighted the situation—should Jackson have been injured due to this uncalled play, with potential penalties evident, it would reflect poorly on the officiating crew, not to mention the devastating impact it would have on the Ravens’ chances of winning.
The severity of the missed call is amplified when compared to the officiating during Saturday’s Divisional Round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, which has received considerable criticism for an entirely different standard. That matchup featured numerous questionable calls regarding hits on Patrick Mahomes, where officials seemed overly eager to protect the star quarterback. In contrast, the same level of protection was not afforded to Jackson, clearly revealing inconsistencies in officiating this postseason.
