Consecutive questionable calls in the New York Giants-Pittsburgh Steelers game directly led to points for the Giants in the first half of the Steelers' 24-20 win Sunday.
On NFL Replay
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Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-20 win over the New YorkÂ
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First up was a third-and-2 incomplete pass from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz in the clip above. Steelers safety Ryan Clark was called for a personal foul for a hit to the head on Cruz on the play. The replay clearly showed that Clark hit Cruz low. The hit also came before the ball hit the ground.
Cruz briefly left the game with a rib injury after the hit, but he returned shortly afterward.
The Giants likely would have kicked a field goal after the incomplete pass, but they wound up rushing for a touchdown on the next play. That's a four-point swing.
On the ensuing drive, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked by Osi Umenyiora. Michael Boley returned Big Ben's fumble 70 yards for a touchdown. But was it a fumble?
Roethlisberger appeared to regain control and maintain enough possession of the ball to throw it forward on the play. We thought the call should have been overturned as an incomplete pass upon review. It wasn't, giving the Giants seven points.
"I didn't ask for an explanation," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "I can't figure out some of this stuff now. I just tried to move on as best I can because that's what our guys need to do."
So two calls led to 11 potential free points for the Giants. It makes the Steelers' comeback victory all the more impressive. And deserving.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
