Sunday's game between the Colts and Browns came down to the wire.
Late in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis was holding on to a 38–33 lead, but Cleveland had the ball and was driving for a potential game-winning touchdown.
With 47 seconds left on the clock, it looked like the Colts had sealed the game with a fumble recovery, but a defensive penalty negated the turnover and gave the Browns first-and-goal from eight yards out.
On the very next play, Cleveland quarterback PJ Walker threw up a prayer toward Donovan Peoples-Jones in the end zone. Walker's pass sailed way high, but another penalty flag was thrown, this time for defensive pass interference.
Definitely looks like an uncatchable pass on a play that was ruled pass interference to give the Browns first and goal at the 1
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) October 22, 2023
They then take the lead with 19 seconds left #CLEvsIND pic.twitter.com/q1qSxcNI8h
Fans following the game were furious with the call. Passes deemed uncatchable cannot draw pass interference penalties and Walker's pass was so high that it was out of frame for most of the replay.
But fan protests rarely work on NFL referees, and the Browns took over possession right at the goal line.
The officiating in the homestretch of Colts-Browns is the worst I’ve seen this year. Every horrendous call went the Browns way.
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) October 22, 2023
These refs in this Browns/Colts game are ATROCIOUS
— Roy Burton (@TheBSLine) October 22, 2023
— Eric Harvey (@ericdharvey) October 22, 2023
Refs trying their best for the Browns
— Zachary Lucas (@ZachALucas) October 22, 2023
That is the worst call I’ve ever seen, the Colts got screwed lmao #ForTheShoe
— Michael Duncan (@MichaelDuncan) October 22, 2023
I see a Pac-12 crew has been assigned to Cleveland/Indy
— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) October 22, 2023
The Colts' defense held strong at the goal line for three plays. But on fourth-and-goal, Browns running back Kareem Hunt punched through the line for a touchdown.
Kareem POWERS it through!!!#CLEvsIND on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/MuqIFeOScr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 22, 2023
The Browns would hold on through the final seconds to secure a 39–38 win on the road, moving to 4–2 on the season.
