NFL Admits Error in Rams-Broncos Game-Changing Pass Interference Call

Key points

• Sean McVay stated that the NFL league office informed him the pass interference call on Josh Wallace was a mistake.
• The penalty negated a Rams interception with 1:09 left, giving the Broncos a fresh set of downs and a first-and-goal situation.
• Bo Nix scored a touchdown on the subsequent play, securing a 30-26 victory for Denver.
• Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant acknowledged he flopped to sell the call, though he also made contact with Wallace.
• The NFL’s Next Gen Stats analysis identified the penalty as the second most impactful play of the game, adding 16 percentage points to Denver’s win probability.

Background

This incident follows a broader pattern of officiating scrutiny in the 2026 NFL season. Our archive notes that McVay has previously expressed frustration with league rules and player eligibility issues, but this is the first instance of the league explicitly admitting a specific game-changing error to a head coach. The Rams had led 16-0 at halftime before a late-game collapse, a trend that has drawn criticism regarding their ability to close out games. The Broncos, meanwhile, have been praised for their resilience, with coach Sean Payton acknowledging the team's slow starts but celebrating their ability to overcome deficits.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports reports that McVay was directly informed by the league that the call was wrong, framing it as a significant admission of error. The Denver Broncos’ official analysis, however, emphasizes the statistical impact of the play, noting it boosted their win probability from 58% to 74%, and highlights other key plays like Talanoa Hufanga’s pick-six as equally decisive. Mile High Report focuses on the individual performance of Hufanga, who earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, downplaying the controversy in favor of celebrating the team’s comeback. ESPN’s source was unavailable, but the general consensus among available outlets is that while the call was erroneous, the Broncos’ overall performance and other factors contributed to the victory.

Why it matters

The NFL’s admission of error in a game-deciding moment raises questions about the league’s officiating standards and the potential for future rule changes or review processes. It also highlights the fragility of close games in the NFL, where a single penalty can alter the outcome. For the Rams, it represents a frustrating loss despite a strong performance, while for the Broncos, it underscores their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities. The incident may influence discussions about pass interference rules and the role of technology in officiating.

What to watch

The Rams will likely continue to face scrutiny for their late-game performances, while the Broncos will aim to build on their momentum in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. The NFL may review the incident in its post-season officiating evaluations, but no immediate changes to the rules are expected. McVay may use the admission as leverage in future discussions with the league about officiating standards.