20 penalties for a total of 204 yards were called during the Cincinnati Bengals' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but one infraction in particular was crucial enough to get quarterback Joe Burrow to keep it real after the game.
Burrow and the Bengals were attempting to draw the Steelers offsides on a fourth-and-1 right before the two-minute warning in the first half. A first down would extend the drive and give the Bengals a shot at potentially tying the game at 24 before the half.
The Bengals got what they wanted, at least they thought. Linebacker Elandon Roberts appeared to enter the neutral zone right across from right guard Alex Cappa, which caused Cappa to move.
The flag was thrown, but the call was ultimately on Cappa for a false start. Cincinnati punted instead of starting a new series, and Pittsburgh kicked a field goal at the end of the half to increase the lead to six points.
If you took issue with the call, you and Burrow are on the same page.
“That was a disappointing call,” Burrow said to reporters after the loss. “I got a lot of respect for that crew, but they missed that one.”
Burrow is never one to comment on the referees, much less say anything other than taking accountability after losses. This year's been taxing on the fifth-year quarterback to say the least. He threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns for the third consecutive game, and the Bengals have lost each time. He's probably earned one free shot at the res by now.
There's not a lot of room for debate here. Roberts objectively crossed into the neutral zone before Cappa moved. One action caused the other. That's the definition of a neutral zone infraction.
When it's as cut-and-dry like that, speaking out against the call shouldn't be controversial. That said, Burrow's comments may end up costing him financially.
Major NFL stars have been fined for criticizing officiating before, although for more harsher cases. Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett was docked $25,000 for publicly scrutinizing officiating last season. Sometimes players like New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers get away with it. It's all a case-by-case basis.
What Burrow said wasn't demeaning by any means, but for him to say it speaks volumes. It was a missed call, plain and simple.
