NFL officials took heat Sunday for an unnecessary clock stoppage during a game between the Washington Commanders and the New Orleans Saints.
On 4th and 3 with 17 seconds left, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler threw Foster Moreau for a turnover. The pass reached New Orleans at the Washington one-yard line. As Rattler and the team rushed to the line of scrimmage, the side judge inexplicably called for the clock to be stopped.
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New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau, #87, celebrates after catching a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in New Orleans on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The clock stopped for at least three seconds as the Saints got to the line. Rattler fumbled the ball to officially stop the clock. There were three seconds left on the clock after the Rattler snapped the ball.
On the next play, Rattler threw a touchdown pass to Moreau. The Saints attempted a two-point conversion to try and win the game but failed. Washington won the game, 20-19.
NFL fans saw that the clock was ticking. Washington (-8) was considered the favorite to enter, according to FOX Sports.
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Washington Commanders linebacker Marshon Lattimore, #23, walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Referee Shawn Hochuli was asked about the stoppage of the clock.
“The news officer accidentally stopped the clock in that situation,” Hochuli told a pool reporter. “The clock shouldn’t have stopped.”
Hochuli added that the situation is not being reviewed. He was then asked if he and other officials in the group “know the mistake.”
“That’s all I got for you,” she said. “The official involved accidentally stopped the clock at nine seconds, and it’s irreversible.”
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, #5, walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Washington moved to 9-5 with the win and New Orleans dropped to 5-9.
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