Watch: Questionable call helps Browns get win over Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II (10) and Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) react after a fumble. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Questionable pass interference call helps Browns get last minute win over Colts

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 10/22/23

The wildest game of the 1 p.m. window on Sunday was the Cleveland Browns' 39-38 win over the Indianapolis Colts, a back-and-forth game that featured a shocking backup quarterback duel between P.J. Walker (Cleveland) and Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis).

The Browns got the win when Kareem Hunt powered his way forward for a one-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal with less than 30 seconds to play in regulation.

It was what happened before that play that will enrage Colts fans.

A series of penalties on the Colts negated what would have been a game-clinching turnover, while also giving the Browns a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line.

Let's start with the second of the two plays because it might have been the most controversial of them all. With the Browns facing a first-and-goal from the 8-yard line, Indianapolis defensive back Darrell Baker Jr. was flagged for pass interference on this play.

The Colts were called for pass interference on this play, setting up the Browns’ game-winning touchdown

Good call or bad call? pic.twitter.com/0A3UZgGjGT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 22, 2023

Not only is that a questionable pass interference call given the contact that took place, that ball also appeared to be completely uncatchable. But the flag was still thrown and the Browns got the ball on the one-yard line.

Even before that the Colts thought they had recovered a Walker fumble to take over and all but end the game, but that play was wiped out by this illegal contact play.

Brutal finish for the Colts against the Browns.

E.J. Speed strip sacks P.J. Walker. DeForest Buckner recovers, apparently clinching the game.

But Darrell Baker is penalized for illegal contact, negating the turnover and giving the Browns a first down. pic.twitter.com/hoYe7b1Tea
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 22, 2023

Again, that is a questionable call. Any contact that seems to take place there seems initiated by Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper. That is not how the officials saw it, however, and that is the only opinion that matters.

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