The NFL Playoffs are always exciting. Each and every year, teams compete to try and win the Super Bowl. This year’s playoffs have been full of surprises, such as Matthew Parkey’s missed kick, as well as the Patriots’ blowout of the Chargers, but none of these were as astonishing as the blown call during the Saints-Rams game.

The Saints and the Rams were the number one and number two teams in the NFC. Both teams are offensive and defensive powerhouses, and there were five players from each team selected to the Pro Bowl. Once the game started, the Saints took an early lead. Jared Goff, the Rams’ quarterback, threw an interception, allowing the Saints to score two quick field goals. The Rams’ offense was shut down, and by the end of the first quarter, the Saints were up by 13. The Rams were determined to come back, however. By halftime, they’d scored a field goal and a touchdown—making the score 10-13.

During the third quarter, both Drew Brees and Jared Goff threw touchdowns for their respective teams, and the score was then 20-23 with the Saints in the lead. The Rams then tied it in the fourth, and the Saints had possession. With the ball in Rams territory, and 3rd down and ten, the Saints threw the football. Brees threw to wide receiver Tommy Lee Lewis, who had beaten his defender, and if a catch was made, he would have had a wide-open touchdown. Ram’s cornerback Robey-Coleman then laid a huge hit on Lewis that on any other day would have been called for pass interference. This hit was demonstrated right in front of officials; it was a clear foul yet no flag was thrown.

Instead of getting a touchdown out of the play or at least a first down off of a flag, the Saints then had to kick a field goal. This gave the Rams a much easier chance to tie the game, which they did, and then the Rams won in overtime.

Sean Payton, the Saints’ head coach, was furious with the call. He called the league’s office, and even they admitted the call was blown. NFL star J.J. Watt tweeted, “There needs to be some kind of accountability. NEEDS to be.” Anyone who watched that play knows this to be true. After having a great regular season, the Saints didn’t deserve to lose the game.

Officials in all sports are bound to make mistakes, some more obvious than others. This call was blown, and unfortunately for the Saints, there was nothing they can do. After this controversy, the NFL must look into some way to review blown calls. These calls decide games in negative ways, and if the league continues to have poor officiating, then its reputation will be tainted.