The Most Controversial NFL Ref Calls of September 2024 (Fans Are Furious!)

The 2024 NFL season has already been marred by several Most Controversial NFL officiating decisions that have left players, coaches, and fans outraged. From questionable roughing-the-passer penalties to game-changing pass interference no-calls, these referee decisions are shaping early season outcomes. In this 1,500+ word investigation, we break down the five Most Controversial NFL calls of September 2024, analyze their impact on games, and examine what the league is doing about the growing officiating crisis.

1. The Phantom Roughing-the-Passer That Cost the Bears the Game (Week 3)

The Controversy

With 1:23 remaining in a tied game against the Packers, Bears edge rusher Montez Sweat was flagged for roughing the passer on what appeare to be a clean hit on Jordan Love. The penalty gave Green Bay 15 free yards, setting up the game-winning field goal.

Why Fans Are Furious

• Replay showed clear shoulder-to-shoulder contact with no helmet involvement

• The NFL’s own “Use of Helmet” rules weren’t violate

• Bears HC Matt Eberflus called it “a textbook tackle” in post-game presser

 For more NFL officiating analysis, visit NFL Newsz

2. The Missed Facemask That Changed MNF (Week 2)

The Controversy

In the final minute of Chiefs vs. Ravens, Travis Kelce clearly had his facemask grabbed by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton on a critical 3rd down. No flag was thrown, Kansas City was forced to punt, and Baltimore won 24-21.

Why It Matters

• The NFL’s Senior VP of Officiating later admitted it should have call

• Chiefs players tweeted “The fix is in” after the game (since deleted)

• This no-call potentially altered early AFC playoff seeding

3. The Bizarre “Forward Progress” Call in Lions vs. Seahawks (Week 1)

The Controversy

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III clearly fumbl after being hit, but officials ruled his forward progress had stopp despite video showing him still fighting for yards. Detroit’s potential scoop-and-score TD was nullified.

The Fallout

• NFL rules experts called it “the worst application of forward progress in years”

• Lions DC Aaron Glenn was fine $25K for post-game comments

• The call directly took 7 points off the board in a 3-point game

 See more controversial calls at NFL Newsz

4. The “No PI” That Saved the Cowboys (Week 3)

The Controversy

With :08 left against the Cardinals, Dallas CB Trevon Diggs clearly held Arizona WR Marquise Brown in the end zone on 4th down. No flag was thrown, preserving Dallas’ 31-28 win.

The Aftermath

• NFL’s officiating department confirmed error in private memo to Cardinals

• Social media erupted with #NFLRigged trending for 12+ hours

• Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon said “We got job” in locker room speech

5. The “Illegal Touch” That Wiped Off a Dolphins TD (Week 2)

The Controversy

Tyreek Hill’s 89-yard TD was call back because officials rule he stepped out of bounds at the 35-yard line. Replay showed at least 2 inches of clearance between his foot and the sideline.

Why It’s Problematic

• The call cost Miami 7 points in a game they lost by 3

• Broadcast’s “SkyCam” angle clearly showed the wrong call

• No accountability as the NFL refused to comment post-game

Is NFL Officiating Getting Worse? Key Statistics

What’s Being Done? The NFL’s Response

1. New “SkyJudge” Proposal – Adding an 8th official in replay booth

2. Full-Time Referees – Moving to year-round officials in 2025

3. Transparency Reports – Starting Week 5, the league will release officiating grades

Read More: NFL Rookie Report 2024: Which First-Year Players Are Dominating Early?

Final Verdict: Is the NFL Losing Control?

These controversial calls aren’t just fan complaints—they’re directly altering games and potentially playoff races. With legal sports betting now involved, the league must address this crisis before fans lose faith entirely.

 For real-time NFL controversy updates, visit NFL Newsz