Late in the third quarter of the Panthers’ week nine loss to the Broncos, Denver head coach Sean Payton was allowed to challenge a play that changed the tide of the game.
With the Panthers up 14-13 and knocking on the door of another touchdown at the Broncos’ one yard line, Sean Payton threw a late challenge flag contesting a play that resulted in a interception and touchback for Denver. The game completely shifted in that moment, as the Broncos drove down the field on their next possession – scoring a touchdown that would put them up for good.
There was debate among fans about if Payton’s challenge flag should have been allowed, as the Panthers had already run the next play. After the game the NFL’s vice president of instant replay, Mark Butterworth, said angles they saw confirmed the flag was thrown before the next snap. But Broncos’ cornerback, Ja’Quan McMillian – while speaking with Denver reporter Scotty Gange – admitted that was not the case.
“He threw the flag really late. They’re already running the next play.”
Most players in the locker room refused to speak on the call in fear of the league levying fines against them for criticizing officiating, Head coach Dave Canales said he had to go on the referee’s word.
“They confirmed that he did throw the challenge flag before we snapped the ball on that very next play, so I got to go from their word. I don’t have that at my disposal, but they did confirm that he got the flag out.”
