The ending of the Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football wasn’t without controversy. In fact, while it was a relatively commanding win for Los Angeles, it was a missed call that came to define the game.
After an Ethan Evans punt pinned Minnesota back to its own five-yard line with 1:46 remaining, the Vikings offense took possession of the ball while trailing the Rams 28-20. Following an incomplete pass on first down, Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold dropped back and looked down the field, only to be sacked by Los Angeles linebacker Byron Young on what appeared to be a game-ending safety.
Darnold, however, popped up grabbing his facemask, clearly motioning to officials that they had missed what should have been a 15-yard penalty on the Rams. Replays confirmed that the quarterback’s assessment was correct, with even Young reacting to the play in a way that indicated he knew he should have been called for the personal foul.
Nevertheless, a flag was never thrown. And thanks to the arbitrary nature of the NFL’s review process, the no-call couldn’t be challenged. The Rams proceeded to recover the ensuing onside kick, sealing what was ultimately a 30-20 victory.
A game-sealing safety on what should’ve been a facemask call against the Rams.
“They cannot review that. But he definitely got the facemask (of Sam Darnold). ” – Kirk Herbstreit
“Viking fans are going ‘What the hell?!'” – Al Michaels #NFL #TNF 🏈🦓🎙️ pic.twitter.com/DbfLrhtXHr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 25, 2024
Unsurprisingly, the blown no-call served as the primary talking point after the game, with many wondering how such an obvious penalty wasn’t flagged in the first place. That also provided an opportunity for Lasik to promote its product, with the corrective eye surgery procedure taking to X to get in on the fun.
“Better vision. Better Calls,” Lasik wrote in a post featuring a screenshot of a ref standing right in front of what should have been an obvious facemask call.
The company followed up with a post promoting a program in which fans can nominate a ref to receive free Lasik surgery in exchange for a discounted rate.
Yes. We are literally offering all NFL referees free modern LASIK. Nominate a ref and get a special discount. https://t.co/kdQnsvyx5o
— LASIK.com (@LASIKdotcom) October 25, 2024
Give Lasik this: not only is it jumping on an obvious advertising opportunity, but it’s offering an actual solution. And one would imagine that its refer-a-ref program won’t go unnoticed, especially in Minnesota.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.