Amari Cooper touchdown in Browns vs. Titans called out of bounds by NFL referee
The Browns had enough problems offensively without the officials getting involved to their detriment.
With 2:38 left in the first half, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hit wide receiver Amari Cooper with a 25-yard pass on the sideline at the Tennessee 40 and it appeared that Cooper had room to run and was on his way to a bigger gain.
Except the sideline official called him out of bounds. Replay clearly showed Cooper was in bounds.
This play ended in Browns WR Amari Cooper getting to the end zone for a touchdown… except the referee said Cooper stepped out of bounds.
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/7KjlFIPcl0— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) September 24, 2023
For the record, CBS head of officiating Gene Steratore agreed.
Steratore, noting the play was unreviewable, called it an example of being unfocused.
Others agreed:
Browns fans should be livid!
Deshaun Watson throws an absolutely beautiful ball to Amari Cooper which may have scored, but the refs blow an inadvertent whistle, thinking Cooper stepped out of bounds. Play dead. pic.twitter.com/prN36DSiZk— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 24, 2023
Including fans:
Browns fans should be livid!
Deshaun Watson throws an absolutely beautiful ball to Amari Cooper which may have scored, but the refs blow an inadvertent whistle, thinking Cooper stepped out of bounds. Play dead. pic.twitter.com/prN36DSiZk— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 24, 2023
That was “ten men on the field for the final goal line stand” levels of incompetent. Amazing.
— MatthewOBrien (@ThatMattOBrien) September 24, 2023
The Browns finished the drive with only a field goal to extend their lead at the time to 13-3.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bad call by referee erases TD for Browns' Amari Cooper
