NFL Fans Were Perplexed by Matthew Stafford's Clever Move to Avoid Sack vs. Vikings

Some quick thinking from Matthew Stafford may have saved the Los Angeles Rams from surrendering a touchdown.

During the second quarter, Stafford dropped back to pass but was swarmed by the Minnesota Vikings' pass rush. While in the process of being sacked, Stafford cleverly decided to toss the ball away into the ground in front of him.

The Vikings jumped on the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, but it was ultimately called back because officials determined that Stafford was attempting to throw the ball. Minnesota thought it had made a game-changing play, and it might have if not for the quick wits of Stafford.

Ruled an incomplete pass from Matthew Stafford after review, rather than a fumble and Vikings touchdown. #NFL pic.twitter.com/s0B4XaRpcQ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 14, 2025

NFL fans were split on how they felt about the ruling, with some suggesting it should have been considered a fumble and others saying that it was a moment of brilliance from the 36-year-old quarterback.

You can’t call that a pass man no way
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 14, 2025

Wow ... good thinking by Stafford. But that's kind of messed up. https://t.co/BdIK6nK6TW
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 14, 2025

Brilliant play by Stafford to avoid the sack.

Also crazy.

Also should be intentional grounding.
(It isn’t, as the rule is written now, I know)

But still brilliant.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 14, 2025

It's that kind of annoying veteran play by Stafford that'll be the bane of the Vikings.
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) January 14, 2025

That is the most bogus incompletion ever by Matthew Stafford. That should not be legal in any way, shape or form. https://t.co/4rCTKIFrxK
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) January 14, 2025

A league that's been plagued by the question of "what is a catch?" may now be facing a similar problem when it comes to, "what is a throw?"