Overview
- Referee Brad Allen announced a backward pass had gone out of bounds even though the ball never left the field, confusing players and viewers.
- Officials blew the play dead and assessed a six-yard loss to Carolina after Bryce Young’s throw to Rico Dowdle.
- The ESPN broadcast crew questioned the ruling in real time, noting Dowdle recovered the ball with room to run.
- Other disputed flags included an offensive pass interference on Tetairoa McMillan that erased a 31-yard gain, along with additional pass interference complaints.
- Head coach Dave Canales called the officiating a factor but emphasized poor offensive execution, and Bryce Young said he received no explanation and was confused by the spot.