WATCH: Raiders CB Marcus Peters horse collar tackle preventing Packers possible game-deciding
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters can’t seem to shake off controversial situations. His recent social media activity points to his not being exactly pleased with the team’s recent string of performances. That’s probably why he chose to take matters into his own hands during a crucial juncture in the Green Bay Packers game.
After two and a half quarters of football on Monday, the two teams were at a stalemate. Neither side was taking advantage of the second and third downs. With 7 minutes remaining in the third, Packers quarterback Jordan Love found second-year wide receiver Christian Watson wide-open at the 45-yard mark.
The only Raider in the vicinity was Marcus Peters. Watson managed to give him the eye and cut inside and head for the red zone. However, near the 10-yard mark, the veteran corner got hold of Watson’s collar from behind and dragged him down for a second and goal.
It was a textbook horse collar tackle to end a guaranteed 6-pointer for the home side. Green Bay received an extra three yards for a penalty. Unfortunately, they failed to take advantage of the opportunity. The Packers had to settle for a field goal instead.
This was the last time they troubled the scoreboard, as the Raiders overtook them with a Josh Jacobs 2-yard touchdown. Later, kicker Daniel Carlson increased the deficit with a spot kick.
Peters was just a few days ago on the news, for a different matter. He allegedly liked a social media post that campaigned for Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels‘ impeachment.
Should the referees have penalized Marcus Peters for the horse collar tackle?
Marcus Peters made what he thought was the correct decision on the spur of the moment. It saved the Raiders’ skin and eventually turned the game around in their favor. But the question arises: why didn’t the referee punish Peters for a blatant violation of NFL rules that forbade horsecaller challenges?
The NFL committee decided to ban the move almost two decades ago. Nowadays, it rarely pops up in a game. And when it does, the officials take the required actions. Not in Peters’ case, though.
Not to mention, the NFL rule book suggests that the touchdown would be awarded in instances dubbed “palpably unfair acts.” Then again, the term is very vague, as per NBC Sports Mike Florio. But he does mention one specific aspect of when it can be applied.
“If a defender blocks a field goal attempt as it otherwise is passing through the uprights (a maneuver that was once legal), three points are to be awarded,” Florio wrote. He further argues that if ‘palpably’ means ‘noticeably or clearly’ then Peters’ pull on Watson was as clear as day. Then why not award the points to the Packers? Not that it matters now that the game has finished.
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