“Change the rule!” Robert Griffin III lashes out at NFL over referees costing Bengals the TNF game against Ravens

Robert Griffin III voiced a strong demand for changes to NFL rules after being furious at the officials for costing the Bengals a crucial win.

“Change the rule!” Robert Griffin III lashes out at NFL over referees costing Bengals the TNF game against Ravens

Robert Griffin III lashes out at NFL officials for costing Bengals a win against Ravens (Via Yahoo Sports/Imago)

One of the biggest highlights of this NFL season has been the officiating, which has drawn significant scrutiny and concerns around the league. This time, Robert Griffin III has voiced a strong demand for changes to NFL rules after being furious at the officials for costing the Cincinnati Bengals a much-needed victory against the Baltimore Ravens. 

The Bengals faced up their divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 and they almost ceased the victory until a failed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. It was observed that the officials neglected multiple hands-to-the-face penalties committed by the Ravens’ players.

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While the ignorance by Clete Blakeman drew a boatload of criticism from the fans, sports analyst RG3 quickly reacted on his social media. Being absolutely furious with the officials, he lashed out and called the league for immediate changes to the NFL rules. 

The Cincinnati Bengals should have had another opportunity to convert on that extra point. Two clear penalties were missed and the hit to the face could have easily been called a foul if replay review was a rule. CHANGE THE RULE FOR CLEAR AND OBVIOUS MISSED PENALTIES IN THE LAST 2 MINS OF THE GAME so we can have games end without these obvious missed calls.

Robert Griffin III wrote on X

Eliminating the controversial decision by the officials, the AFC North showdown was indeed a thrilling match to watch. Both teams’ quarterbacks scored more than 757 yards and eight touchdowns.  

Roquan Smith’s facemask hit on Bengals’ Joe Burrow raises questions about NFL officiating standards

One of the overlooked hands-to-the-face penalties targetted the Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow after Roquan Smith hit his facemask while he was releasing a pass, which unfortunately flew overhead of tight end Tanner Hudson. 

Roquan Smith's facemask hit on Joe Burrow
Roquan Smith’s facemask hit on Joe Burrow (Via FOX4KC)

Amazon Prime Video’s rules expert Terry McAulay and analyst Kirk Herbstreit both also admitted that the Ravens players should be imposed with penalties and a defensive holding call should have been made on those plays. They particularly mentioned Smith’s attack on Burrow and admitted a personal foul call should have been made by the officials. 

The Pro Bowler expressed being “frustrated” by this Week 10 loss, especially after it was by a single score of 35-34. After this defeat, the Bengals’ playoff hope appears more blurred as they fell three victories behind Baltimore and are scheduled with two more games against teams with winning records.