Troy Aikman and rules analyst Russell Yurk have criticized a key pass interference call by NFL officials during Monday night’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. The play in question occurred with 9:57 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Vikings trailed 17-12. On a pass attempt from JJ McCarthy to Jalen Nailor, Nailor slipped and fell, resulting in an incomplete pass. Officials assessed a 14-yard penalty against Chicago.
Aikman expressed his disagreement with the call during ESPN’s broadcast, while Yurk supported his view. Yurk stated, “I agree with you, Troy (…). It looks like he more slipped than anything. You see he touches him and there was some slight contact, but I don’t think that’s significant hindrance of his ability to catch the pass. I wish they had gotten together on that one and picked it up.”
The penalty moved the ball forward for Minnesota. On the next play, McCarthy found Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown pass. With a successful two-point conversion, the Vikings took their first lead of the night at 20-17.
Aikman further explained on air, “You just see him go to the ground and you assume he got tugged (…). Tyrique Stevenson, he is expecting the ball. When they’re bringing an all out blitz, they’re expecting the ball to come out quick than what it did.”
Following this sequence, Minnesota’s defense forced a stop before scoring again to extend their lead to 27-17. Although Chicago responded with another touchdown drive to make it 27-24, the Bears could not overcome Minnesota’s advantage.
For many Bears fans, the controversial penalty will remain a focus after a game that saw their team lose control late in the second half. However, other factors also played into Chicago’s defeat after leading earlier in the game.
Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy ended the night with thirteen completions on twenty attempts for 143 yards and three total touchdowns—two coming in critical moments late in the contest—to help secure Minnesota’s win.
Minnesota will next face Atlanta in Week Two as McCarthy aims to build upon his performance.
