'That's unbelievable': Reactions to pass interference on Tee Higgins' OT catch attempt
NFL Network's Chris Rose and Jason McCourty questioned whether defensive pass interference should've been called against Minnesota Vikings defensive back Akayleb Evans as Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins tried to catch a Jake Browning pass during overtime of Saturday's NFL Week 15 game at Paycor Stadium.
"That's unbelievable," Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on the sideline after the non-call.
"A lot of contact on that play. The Bengals' sideline is going absolutely nuts," McCourty said during the broadcast. "Zac Taylor is almost on the field. ... Tee Higgins goes deep. Evans has his jersey, turned around. I said it earlier, they've been letting them play. We haven't seen any penalties down the field on pass coverage. Chris, I think that's a pass interference. He has his jersey in his left hand. He's all over him. I think that's a pass interference."
After the Bengals got the ball back later in overtime, Evan McPherson converted a game-winning field goal. But Higgins and fans were in disbelief when officials didn't penalize Evans for DPI.
Social media reactions:
That should have been PI but refs don't call it. Zac Taylor giving the refs the business for it. Bengals to punt so if MIN gets in FG range and kicks it, they win
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 16, 2023
refs pic.twitter.com/cpUHj2BkyN
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 16, 2023
Zac Taylor spoke last week about how calls can go against Tee Higgins because of his size. He's a unique type of player, and he doesn't get as many calls as he should.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) December 16, 2023
Disgusting no-call on that clear PI against Tee Higgins. More blind #NFL ref behavior. Even former DB Jason McCourty said it was clearly pass interference. There is no other option but to make pass interference reviewable. The officiating is too untrustworthy.
— Tony Mejia (@MejiaDinero) December 16, 2023
Love the refs being consistent. If you're going to let 'em play in the 1st Q, you gotta let 'em play in the 4th Q. That said, totally pass interference on that throw to Higgins.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 16, 2023
The no call DPI vs Bengals Tee Higgins in OT is the latest travesty of 2023 officiating and need for sky judge
— Paul Alexander (@CoachPaulAlex) December 16, 2023
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reactions to pass interference no-call on Tee Higgins' catch attempt
