Did the Packers get screwed by illegal contact penalty?
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 12: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the first quarter of the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 12, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers are facing a surprisingly-tough test from the Washington Commanders, but did they screwed on a defensive penalty?
The Packers had a chance to extend their lead with a defensive touchdown from Rasul Douglas in the first half. That lead — which ended up being four rather than two scores to end the half — could come back to cost Green Bay.
A penalty was called on Eric Stokes for illegal contact, which appeared to be very light on instant replay.
Technically, any contact that happens beyond five yards downfield with the quarterback in the pocket could be called illegal. In this case, it was called, as Stokes had his hands on the receiver. Unfortunately for the Packers, it cost them a turnover and defensive touchdown in the process.
Did Packers get screwed on illegal contact penalty?
Head coach Matt LaFleur seemed to think the Packers got the short end of the stick, and it’s easy to see why. In similar fashion to offensive holding, there is likely some form of ‘illegal contact’ on every play.
In this case, the official deemed Stokes stopped the wide receiver from running his route, thus forcing Taylor Heinicke to hold onto the ball.
I’d say that’s being generous to the decision-making of Heinicke on the play. The Commanders quarterback was running blind, and didn’t notice a Green Bay pass rusher behind him as he left the pocket.
In the end, the Commanders caught a break on a call that truly could have gone either way.
