Controversial call leads to massive swing in Chargers-Ravens game

The Baltimore Ravens appeared to make a big defensive play to get back into the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. But thanks to a controversial call, the exact opposite happened.

On third-and-goal from the one, Los Angeles’ Melvin Gordon took a handoff and was quickly tripped up by Eric Weddle. When Gordon hit the ground, the ball came loose. Marlon Humphrey picked it up and was on his way for a fumble-six, but the play was called back.

Gordon was initially ruled to have scored. Upon further review, he was called down by contact. The play close so we can’t definitively say what happened. But nobody would have had much of an argument if it was ruled a fumble.

One play later, the Chargers were in the end zone.

The touchdown and ensuing PAT put Los Angeles up 20-3. If Humphrey’s return had stood, Baltimore would likely have trailed only 12-10 with most of the fourth quarter left to be played.

That’s quite the turnaround.