4 critical observations from Panthers’ gut-wrenching loss at Falcons

Officiating let the Carolina Panthers down again

It seems every team this season has at some point been the victim of poor officiating. But the Carolina Panthers could now seriously argue that two of its losses in 2022 are in some part due to the NFL’s referees.

In Week 1 we saw two suspect calls on the Cleveland Browns’ final drive that caused great debate. debate. The harsh roughing the passer call on Brian Burns was followed by the fake spike on Jacoby Brissett which was originally flagged before the officials decided to negate the penalty.

Yesterday we witnessed decisions go against the Panthers. On the play that led to the Atlanta Falcons taking the lead late through Damiere Byrd, there were two missed calls by the officials.

A blatant false start by Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews followed up by a hold by right tackle Kaleb McGary went unpunished.

Later in the game, another call went against the Panthers. When D.J. Moore caught a game-tying 62-yard pass from P.J. Walker, the wideout removed his helmet in celebration, which incurred a 15-yard penalty pushing Eddy Pineiro’s kick back and everyone knows what happened next.

It’s since been said Moore shouldn’t have been flagged. Former NFL referee and current NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay stated as much because the Maryland product was off the field of play when he took his helmet off.

Should Moore have shown some restraint? Possibly.

But I defy anyone to keep their emotions in check after making such a play. Instead of getting at Moore for celebrating an incredible play, it’s about time we start holding officials accountable for making bad calls.