Jim Irsay, the owner of the Colts, claims that the NFL “admits and understands” that two crucial calls made toward the end of his team’s Sunday loss to the Cleveland Browns were wrong.
Irsay, who made the announcement on X Tuesday night, was probably alluding according to ESPN to the team’s anticipated follow-up meeting with NFL officials on Monday. The meeting is to obtain additional information regarding the final-minute calls for illegal contact and defensive pass interference against Colts cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. The calls put the Browns in a favorable position to win 39–38.
The play that would have effectively finished the game—a recovered sack fumble by Indianapolis—was nullified by the illegal-contact call.
Whether Baker genuinely blocked Amari Cooper’s path or if the interaction was more incidental was in question during that call. Even though the pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones was uncatchable, the pass-interference penalty was called moments later.
Pass interference is not allowed in these circumstances, according to NFL regulations. Owing to the interference call , the Browns were awarded possession at the 1-yard line. Four plays later they scored the game-winning touchdown.
Irsay going public with bashing officials
Teams frequently inquire further about calls they disagree with from the league office. Coach Shane Steichen hinted on Monday that the franchise may go to that extent with the NFL.
These discussions take place in private and are usually kept confidential. However, Irsay made the uncommon move of disclosing the information in his post, stating,
“The NFL admits and understands that they did not make the correct calls at end of Sunday’s Colts/Browns Game. I believe we need to institute Instant Replay for all calls, including Penalties, in the last two minutes of All Games.”
Irsay also disclosed that Anthony Richardson, the quarterback for the Colts, had surgery on his right shoulder in Los Angeles on Tuesday in order to treat a sprain of his AC joint. Although Irsay stated that “no new surprises were found” during the procedure, Richardson is anticipated to miss the remainder of the season.