WATCH: NFL review draws double controversy in Colts vs. Ravens

Following a review of a huge play in the third quarter between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts, both teams found controversy in the referee’s review decision. The Ravens felt a fumble by quarterback Lamar Jackson should be overturned, and the Colts felt their 99-yard touchdown return should be upheld. The referees ruled the fumble occurred, but the return was called back due to an illegal forward pass.

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Colts vs Ravens review controversy

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson fumbled on the Colts’ one-yard line, and the football was recovered by Colts linebacker Darius Leonard. On the return Leonard felt himself about to be tackled and attempted to lateral pass the football to a quicker teammate. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers received the lateral pass and sprinted by the Ravens for the 99-yard touchdown return.

The first controversy came for the Ravens as the replay appeared to show Jackson’s knee hit the ground with both hands on the football. The broadcast team quickly identified that it might be upheld as the ball began to spin before Jackson’s knee touched down. The ruling on the field was a fumble, so it would need more evidence to overturn.

The referees would confirm the fumble during their review, beginning the Colts’ side of the controversy. On the return, Leonard’s fantastic team play by giving the ball to a teammate was ruled by the officials as a two-yard forward pass. The penalty brought the football back to the Colts’ 24-yard line before taking away five more yards.

Indianapolis and fans watching were greatly confused by the ruling because the video clearly showed Leonard throw the football behind him. On replay, the ball goes backwards initially before Leonard’s own momentum carries the ball forward past the spot of his pass.

Despite Leonard throwing the football behind himself, the ball was received beyond the beginning of the pass and was ruled an illegal pass by the referees. The Colts’ 99-yard touchdown was taken off the board despite the seemingly obvious backwards throw.