NFL referees are facing backlash over a blatant time stop in the closing moments of the Commanders Saints game

NFL officials raised eyebrows on Sunday over an unwarranted time stop during a game between the Washington Commanders and the New Orleans Saints.

On 4th-and-3 with 17 seconds left, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler threw a pass to Foster Moreau for the conversion. The pass brought New Orleans to the Washington 1-yard line. As Rattler and the team rushed to the line of scrimmage, a referee on the sideline inexplicably called for the clock to be stopped.

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New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau, #87, celebrates after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The clock stopped for at least three seconds as the Saints reached the finish line. Rattler shot the ball to officially stop the clock. There were three seconds left on the clock after Rattler shot the ball.

On the next play, Rattler threw a touchdown pass to Moreau. The Saints attempted a 2-point conversion to win the game but failed. Washington won the game 20-19.

NFL fans noticed the clock was fumbling. According to FOX Sports, Washington (-8) was the favorite.

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Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, #23, leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Referee Shawn Hochuli was asked about the incorrect clock stoppage.

“The supervisor mistakenly stopped the clock in this situation,” Hochuli told a pool reporter. “The clock shouldn’t have stopped.”

Hochuli added that the situation was not verifiable. He was then asked whether he and the other officers on the crew “were aware of the mistake.”

“That’s all I have for you,” he said. “The officer in charge mistakenly stopped the clock at nine seconds and that cannot be verified.”

Washington Commanders No. 5 quarterback Jayden Daniels leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Washington improved to 9-5 with the win, while New Orleans fell to 5-9.

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