A contentious conclusion to the Browns-Colts game annoys the NFL community

In the closing seconds of Sunday’s game against the Browns, Colts coach Shane Steichen challenges one of the contentious rulings that went against his side.

The conclusion of the Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts game in Week 7 undoubtedly didn’t sit well with those who prefer to see officials keep penalty flags in their pockets after a game. You most certainly didn’t love the finish if you were rooting for the Colts.

In the last minute, Cleveland was down five points and had the ball deep in Indianapolis territory. Colts linebacker E.J. Speed sacked Browns quarterback P.J. Walker on a third-and-four, forcing a fumble. The Colts appeared to have won when DeForest Buckner recovered the ball. The question of whether Walker’s arm might have been moving forward was briefly contested, but it was soon settled.

Darrell Baker Jr. of Indianapolis was fined for making unapproved contact with Amari Cooper of Cleveland. The turnover was eliminated at that point, and the Browns were awarded a clear set of downs.

For the Colts, nothing improved.

Walker tried to locate Donovan Peoples-Jones in the end zone on the following play. The ball dropped short. Furthermore, even though Peoples-Jones and Baker made clear contact, the ball was thrown well beyond of the end zone. The grab appeared to be uncatchable, but Baker was punished once more—this time for pass interference.

At this point, Cleveland was down to one yard. However, the Indianapolis defense stood firm, forcing the Browns to punt three times in a row and creating a fourth down. Kareem Hunt received the ball from Walker, and although the Colts made it difficult for him, Hunt crossed the goal line, giving the Browns the advantage.

Gardner Minshew was strip-sacked by Za’Darius Smith, dashigning any chances the Colts had of pulling off a miracle. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo of Cleveland went down on the loose ball, capping the victory.

There was a lot of anger following the game because referees’ decisions ultimately determined the outcome of the match.