Ref Picks Up Crucial Flag for Illegal Block in Vikings-Seahawks MNF Game

Seattle Seahawks MNF
Head coach Pete Carroll and players of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate a blocked field goal by Bobby Wagner in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle,... Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images

A referee picked up a flag on a Seattle Seahawks player during a crucial play in the team's 21-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

Leading 6-0, Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner blocked a fourth quarter field goal, but appeared to push off another player to gain height on his jump, which should be called for a leverage penalty. Referee Brad Allen initially threw his flag, but then announced there was no foul without an immediate explanation for his decision.

According to the NFL rule book, a player isn't allowed to place "a hand or hands on a teammate or opponent to gain additional height to block or attempt to block an opponent's apparent kick, or in an attempt to jump through a gap to block an opponent's kick or apparent kick."

The penalty is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and would result in advancing the ball 15 yards. After the game, Wagner said he didn't believe he broke any rules while making the play.

"I tried to time it up; I got over it and made the block," Wagner said. "I'm an athlete, so I have just got to jump over people. It's not that big of a deal."

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he missed the play and didn't receive an explanation as to what happened, although he was told he could not challenge the call.

"Quite honestly, I didn't see it," Zimmer said. "I didn't see what happened. So, I was told what happened, but I don't know. I mean, you're not supposed to be able to pull guys down if that's what they did."

Wagner blocked Vikings place-kicker Dan Bailey's 47-yard attempt, which set up a seven-play, 63-yard drive that extended Seattle's lead to 14-0. Running back Chris Carson scored on a 2-yard run. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed a pass to Tyler Lockett for a successful two-point conversion.

The Vikings would have received a first down with the ball placed on the Seahawks' 14-yard line with 5:38 remaining and a chance to move ahead 7-6 had the call been made.

Trailing 14-0, Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins fumbled on his team's own 25-yard line, which was recovered by Justin Coleman for a 29-yard touchdown. The Vikings responded with a six-play, 70-yard drive with 1:25 remaining that included a 6-yard touchdown reception by running back Dalvin Cook.

However, it was too little, too late. Minnesota still holds the sixth and final NFC playoff seed, but is now in serious danger of missing the postseason with three games remaining.

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