A personal foul called against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Josh Wallace absolutely gifted the Arizona Cardinals an 18-16 upset win, setting up the game-winning field goal as time expired. This wasn’t some minor call, either, it sealed the Cardinals’ second victory of the season and left a sour taste for anyone watching, especially when you consider what the experts are saying.
When a Flag Changes Everything, for All the Wrong Reasons
So, what went down? Cardinals receiver Jalen Brooks caught a 21-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett. Wallace was there, Brooks fell, and apparently, he landed on Wallace’s shoulder. Boom! Flag for a personal foul. This call moved the ball a massive 36 yards for the Cardinals on the very first play of their final drive. It put them right at the Rams’ 29-yard line with just 41 seconds left on the clock. Arizona got another five yards on a carry on the next play, and just like that, they were set up for a 43-yard field goal. Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland converted, nailing his sixth field goal of the day to snatch the win. This wasn’t just any game, either, Arizona pulled off the biggest upset of the NFL season, stomping a 12.5-point underdog spread against an NFC West foe. Their first division win since 2024, by the way.
Even FOX’s Own Experts Were Left Fuming Over That Call
The controversy blew up instantly, and even FOX Sports’ rules analyst Mike Pereira jumped in to say why that flag should have been picked up. Pereira was blunt on the broadcast, saying, “Well, my first thought is this is one that replay could take off if there’s no contact. There is contact, but is it enough contact that’s not forceable? … For me, that’s one I do not think needs to be called.” Talk about a damning assessment from one of the most respected voices in officiating analysis. He wasn’t alone, either. Olsen also weighed in, disagreeing with the penalty call on Wallace, adding, “It looked, to me, like Brooks is just landing on Wallace’s right shoulder.” When the guys who literally know the rulebook inside and out are saying it’s a bad call, you know it’s a bad call.
For the Rams, that loss drops them to a frustrating 2-4 record. They have to hit the road for a Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s a brutal way to head into another tough game, knowing a questionable call was the difference.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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