Tim Benz: Packers DB says Mike Tomlin 'influenced the refs' during controversial call

Understandably, everyone in Green Bay is still mad at Sunday’s NFL officials in the Steelers-Packers game. They didn’t overturn an incomplete forward pass from Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett that was reviewed as a potential turnover.

As discovered by SteelersDepot.com, Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon appeared on the USA Today Network’s “Clubhouse Live” on Monday. He suggested that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin “influenced” the outcome of the call.

“I just remember the Steelers head coach saying something to the refs,” Nixon told the show Monday evening. “Whatever he said, it really influenced the refs. And they went with that call.”

Nixon didn’t expand on what he thought Tomlin said or how he massaged the officials into sticking with the call on the field in favor of the Steelers. But perhaps Nixon is jumping to that conclusion based on the interaction captured at the end of this replay during the CBS broadcast of the game. Tomlin is clearly seen getting into the ear of one of the officials.

Charles Davis doesn't have as spirited an argument with Gene Steratore that Cris Collinsowrth had with Terry McAulay, but the CBS analyst let the former head official that he disagrees, "vehemently."

Steratore really taking a stand here: "To me, it was just not enough to… pic.twitter.com/HjfadUy9Ga

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 12, 2023

The Packers would’ve gotten the ball deep in Steelers territory with three and a half minutes left in the half. The Steelers went on to win the game 23-19.

I’m all for a good conspiracy theory. But this one is tough to endorse. As you can hear on the video, the whistle to blow the play dead occurs before Tomlin ever starts lobbying with the side judge. And I’m not sure how Tomlin could ever throw any weight around from the field with the replay officials.

But I get the frustration from Wisconsin. I thought it should’ve been a turnover too. After the game, Packers coach Matt LaFleur made it clear that he felt the call on the field was wrong.

On Tuesday, CBS NFL rules analyst Gene Steratore told WDVE that after reviewing the play numerous times, the ball did appear to be “a foot or two behind” the plane from which Pickett released it.

Also, Fox’s NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino told the 33rd Team in a video, “If I’m making this decision on replay, I’m reversing it. I’m making it a backward pass. And I’m giving the Packers the ball first-and-goal at the Steelers’ 3.”

Eh, big deal. I’m sure that high-flying, run-and-gun Steelers offense would have overcome an extra touchdown from the Packers, don’t ya think?

Listen: Tim Benz and Joe Rutter discuss the state of the Steelers heading into Sunday’s showdown with Cleveland