The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24–22 on Saturday night, overcoming an upset bid by Easton Stick.
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Controversial Call Mars Bills vs. Chargers Game as Khalil Shakir’s Apparent Touchdown Overturned
Late-game 29-yard field goal by Buffalo’s Tyler Bass decided the contest. Earlier in the game-winning drive, Bills quarterback Josh Allen seemed to toss to wide receiver Khalil Shakir for a 28-yard touchdown. After a booth review, officials ruled Shakir down by contact at the 12-yard line, despite the apparent touchdown. Thus, the Bills settled for the field goal.
Allen snapped a shotgun ball, rolled out to his right, and fired a crisp pass to Shakir on a third-and-4 play from the Chargers’ 28-yard line. Catching the ball on the ground at 12 was a big play. Chargers safety Jaylinn Hawkins tried to make contact, but Shakir got up and ran into the end zone. A touchdown was called on the field, but the booth review showed Shakir was down by contact.
NFL fans were shocked and upset by the call reversal, and social media was full of emotions. Some claimed that the ball did not contact the ground, while others noted that Shakir appeared to jump up and run without being touched. The play raised questions regarding contact and its live status.
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Debate Ignites Among NFL Fans Over Controversial Call as Bills Opt for Field Goal Victory
One social media comment mentioned a similar occurrence involving another player in a prior week’s game. The Bills’ probable plot to run down the clock and try a game-winning field goal led some to think that the Chargers should have let Shakir score a touchdown rather than tackle him.
The Bills missed the touchdown, so they kicked a field goal to win. The controversial play and field goal decision sparked passionate responses among NFL fans, underscoring the unpredictability and significance of in-game calling.
