The NFL told the Rams that a defensive pass interference penalty against cornerback Josh Wallace should not have been called in their Sunday night loss to the Broncos, according to head coach Sean McVay. The explanation came after the game, when McVay said league officials reviewed the pivotal play and acknowledged it was the wrong call.
The Rams dropped the contest despite forcing key turnovers, and the disputed penalty became a central point of conversation afterward. McVay did not elaborate on timing or which official reviewed the play, but he confirmed the league agreed the flag was incorrect. The takeaway remains that the NFL told the team the call was wrong. No further disciplinary or procedural steps were announced.
Key Facts
- The NFL told the Rams the DPI call was wrong.
- Josh Wallace was flagged for defensive pass interference.
- The play occurred in a loss to the Broncos.
- Sean McVay confirmed the league’s position publicly.
What the NFL Told the Rams
According to McVay, the NFL told the Rams that the defensive pass interference flag on Josh Wallace was a mistake. McVay did not say which replay official or administrator provided the explanation, only that the message reached the team. The league regularly communicates officiating corrections to clubs after games, particularly on penalties that alter outcomes.
The flag came late in the game and gave the Broncos favorable field position, which they converted into points. Because the penalty swung momentum, the Rams requested clarification from the league afterward. The NFL’s standard practice is to notify teams of obvious errors within 24 hours of game completion.
McVay’s public confirmation signals that the team accepted the league’s assessment without dispute. No fine, suspension, or rule change resulted from the review. The Rams organization did not file a formal protest of the original game result.
Who Is Affected
The affected parties include the Rams, who lost a game they may feel the incorrect penalty cost them. Josh Wallace, the player penalized, also benefits from the league conceding the call was wrong, since it protects his statistical record. The Broncos keep the win, though the NFL’s admission may reduce their confidence in that game’s defining sequence.
Broader impact includes continued debate over officiating accuracy in high-profile Sunday night games. The league has emphasized improved communication with teams, but fans and analysts often question whether admissions of error change outcomes meaningfully.
NFL told McVay’s version of the message highlights how coaches increasingly rely on postgame league feedback to evaluate controversial calls that shape playoff races.
What We Know — and What We Don’
Verified by the source:
- The NFL told the Rams the DPI call was wrong, per McVay.
- The penalty was called on Josh Wallace.
- The flag occurred during a loss to the Broncos.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact time the NFL told the team.
- Which league official delivered the explanation.
- The specific in-game moment the penalty occurred.
- Whether the Rams intend to file a formal complaint.
Why It Matters
The NFL’s admission underscores ongoing concerns about officiating consistency, especially on Sunday night when national audiences watch closely. Corrections matter to teams whose playoff hopes hinge on single-game outcomes, while fans use them to judge whether the league values accuracy over protecting officials.
What To Watch
Further clarity may come if the NFL publishes its weekly officiating report. The Rams have not scheduled a press availability dedicated to the topic.
The league routinely admits postgame errors—and this admission does not change the final score.