(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Mike Tomlin was livid at the end of regulation against the Seahawks, as the replay official decided to review a catch by DK Metcalf (which was clearly a reception). Steelers cornerback James Pierre stripped the ball from Metcalf, but Freddie Swain recovered the fumble. Geno Smith then rushed to the line of scrimmage and spiked the ball with 1 second remaining. The clock on the scoreboard at Heinz Field showed all zeros, however.
The decision by the replay official to review Metcalf's catch delayed things and gave the Seahawks extra time to get ready for the game-tying field goal. After a long discussion, the officials but three seconds on the clock, and Smith spiked the ball again. Jason Myers' kick was good from 43 yards out and the game went to overtime.
The Steelers ended up winning in overtime, 23-20, but Tomlin was still hot after the game. According to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan, Tomlin was screaming at the officials in the tunnel after the game. Tomlin thought the game should have been over in regulation, as the clock showed zeros.
I get why Tomlin was upset that the officials reviewed whether Metcalf caught the ball. But they still spiked it with 1 second left. So, it really didn't matter anyway. With the scoreboard showing all zeros on the clock, Tomlin believed that his team got ripped off with the Seahawks being rewarded another play. That really wasn't the case, however. But it did allow the Seahawks extra time and the ability to regroup.
Mike Asti of Steelers Now also reportedly heard Tomlin yelling after the game, “I'm telling the truth. I'm writing a check to the league office tonight!"
It was certainly a bizarre sequence to the end of the game last night. I don't know why Metcalf didn't just go out of bounds either after a 12-yard reception. They were already in field goal range. Great play by Pierre to strip the ball, though. Metcalf has been going back and forth with Hall of Famer and analyst Shannon Sharpe throughout the day about his decision to not go out of bounds.
As far as Tomlin, I'm not sure if I've ever seen him that upset after a game. He's usually pretty level-headed. I don't think Tomlin said anything outrageous. He just said it was "an embarrassment." However, it would be interesting to see if the NFL hands out a fine to Tomlin.