NFL Week 3 officiating errors include phantom pass interference and missed facemask calls

Officiating mistakes in NFL Week 3 altered game outcomes, most notably when a phantom pass interference call erased a game-sealing interception for the Los Angeles Rams. With the Denver Broncos trailing 26-23 late in the fourth quarter, Rams cornerback Josh Wallace intercepted a pass from Bo Nix. Officials flagged Wallace for pass interference, giving Denver a fresh set of downs near the goal line. Nix subsequently scored a touchdown, allowing the Broncos to win 30-26. Rams receiver Pat Bryant admitted to exaggerating contact to draw the flag, stating, "I sold it just a little bit." NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay and other commentators argued that Bryant, not Wallace, committed the foul.

In a separate error that could have decided the game, officials penalized Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins for defensive pass interference in the final seconds against the Dallas Cowboys. CeeDee Lamb grabbed Wiggins' arm to prevent a potential interception, yet officials flagged Wiggins with no penalty on Lamb. CBS analyst J.J. Watt speculated that the referees intended to call offensive pass interference but made the opposite call. The Cowboys failed to capitalize on the error, settling for a field goal to tie the game. The Ravens won 34-31 after Lamar Jackson completed a pass to Zay Flowers, setting up Tyler Loop's winning kick.

Inconsistency in replay rulings also defined the weekend. In Week 1, a hit on Jared Goff by Saints linebacker Chase Young was initially ruled a fumble before being overturned to an incomplete pass. On Sunday, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough lost the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in a similar situation. This time, the fumble ruling stood after review. NFL replay official Mark Butterworth stated that Shough's hand was not moving forward with control of the ball. The Raiders recovered and scored the go-ahead touchdown, winning 35-27.

Officials also missed multiple facemask penalties during the week. In a 23-16 loss to Minnesota, Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Kenneth Gainwell and Baker Mayfield were both subjected to uncalled facemask grabs. Mayfield protested the lack of flags immediately. Similar missed calls occurred in games involving Deshaun Watson against Carolina and De'Von Achane and Malik Willis in Miami. In the Chiefs-Dolphins matchup, officials flagged Chop Robinson for roughing the passer on Patrick Mahomes while missing a tackle where a Kansas City defender removed Willis' helmet. OutKick's Armando Salguero noted that an additional Miami penalty would have extended that possession regardless.