Bill Belichick gives his verdict on controversial Matthew Stafford call during Rams-Vikings game
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University of North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick weighed in on one of the most controversial calls of the NFL playoffs after an incident occurred on Monday evening. In the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was pressured and brought to the ground by the Minnesota pass rush.
![[UNC coach Bill Belichick bemoaned the decision, saying the NFL is now 'an offensive league']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/14/02/94062491-14281057-image-a-48_1736823320400.jpg)
Just before he hit the ground, he let go of the football. It was scooped up by Minnesota and was run back for what was believed to be the game-tying touchdown. However, officials overturned their ruling on the field - saying that Stafford made a forward throwing motion as he went to the ground. They ruled it an incomplete pass instead and made it 2nd & 10.
It was a controversial decision to make. Not only was the fumble overturned and the touchdown taken off the board, but referees decided against calling an intentional grounding penalty - which would have applied as Stafford was in the pocket and did not appear to throw to a particular wide receiver in the area.
Speaking on the Manningcast on ESPN2, Belichick believed that play was a clear sign of the NFL's move away from balanced play and toward rules that allow offenses to thrive. "It's an offensive league. ... There's no rules to help the defense in the NFL. You can get away with that and call it an incomplete pass." @OmahaProd —Bill Belichick on Matthew Stafford's incomplete pass. pic.twitter.com/q2zeXZNHPK.
