NFL World Debates Pass Interference on Game-Clinching Play of Browns-Steelers

The final stop for Pittsburgh against Cleveland brought a tense debate among fans with it.

The Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup between the Steelers and Browns was as close to the opposite of an “offensive battle” as fans have seen through the first two weeks. So it was only fitting that the game-sealing play was a defensive stop by Pittsburgh rookie Joey Porter Jr.—or at least that’s what the game log and box score will say.

Porter’s final stop in coverage against Cleveland wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones immediately sparked a ton of controversy, though. Browns fans argued that Peoples-Jones was being held while Steelers fans debated that it was standard contact.

𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘: This pass breakup by #Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr should’ve been called pass interference. pic.twitter.com/vTm4FbwCTF

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 19, 2023

The arguments flew both ways, but here’s a look at some of the best back-and-forth banter.

Clear flag on Joey Porter Jr. That’s just the ref choosing to miss it….he held both of his shoulder pads

— Braiden Turner (@bturner23) September 19, 2023

Not even remotely a catchable ball

— Josh Garey (@JoshGarey) September 19, 2023

𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘: Deshaun Watson should’ve throw the ball inbounds

— Ryan Evans (@RyanEvansESPN) September 19, 2023

Definitely. Bring back video reviews for penalties.

— Sean Sublette (@Subby_Sean) September 19, 2023

Gotta call something. He literally has the player’s jersey.

— Shaun Bellamy (@KingSB93) September 19, 2023