Cotchery McMillan caught it!
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL has privately admitted to the Carolina Panthers that their officials botched a replay review in Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The review centered around a reception made by wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the final minutes of the defeat.
McMillan, with the game tied at 17 apiece at the 2:17 mark of the fourth quarter, was originally credited with a catch—a 12-yard gain that would’ve given Carolina a first down. New Orleans, however, challenged the ruling—and the replay review determined that the rookie receiver did not complete the grab.
Officials reversed the call, in where McMillan got two hands on the ball with a knee down. The ball, which never moved under McMillan’s control, proceeded to hit the ground as his left hand came off.
This misfortunate marked the second mistake by the NFL on a Carolina catch in as many years. Officials also bungled a would-be touchdown reception by former Panther Adam Thielen against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13 of last season.
Luckily for the Panthers, the muffed review didn’t cost them too dearly—as quarterback Bryce Young picked up the sticks off an 11-yard scramble on the next play.
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