Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson expressed his frustration after a touchdown reception was overturned in the final quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which they ultimately lost 28-22.
Hockenson, visibly upset, stated that he had “control the whole time” of the ball. He revealed that members of the officiating team led by Bill Vinovich indicated to him that they considered the play a touchdown, even after it was reviewed.
There was nothing to overturn. I was there. I felt it, hands under the ball, I caught it and I don’t understand. Basically, I don’t understand the reception rule at this point. I don’t understand how New York can call and say, ‘Yes, that’s not a reception,’ when there was no evidence to the contrary. I had it. I think it’s ridiculous.
T.J. Hockenson, Vikings tight end
The play, which was initially marked as a 15-yard touchdown, was reviewed and overturned. The decision was based on the replay, which showed that Hockenson lost control of the ball when touching the ground, before recovering it.
According to the instant replay vice president’s report, Mark Butterworth, the video evidence was clear and showed that Hockenson did not maintain control of the ball throughout the reception process.
Had the touchdown been validated, and with the subsequent extra point conversion, the Vikings would have reduced the difference to only two points, with all their timeouts available.
The play’s nullification represented a significant change in the probability of victory for the Vikings, according to analysis.
The Vikings had other opportunities during the game, but only managed one touchdown in six visits to the red zone and committed two turnovers, including an interception that Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt turned into a touchdown.
Hockenson concluded by saying that the team must focus on the next plays. He pointed out that a game cannot be won with one-for-six effectiveness in the red zone and two turnovers.
