The New York Jets’ quest for a second consecutive win was foiled in the Jetsiest way possible Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
New York had a potential game-tying touchdown wiped off the books when it was revealed that someone on the Jets’ sideline had called a timeout moments before the snap.
Fans quickly pointed the finger at offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who was seen hustling down the sideline to signal to the referee, but replays showed it actually was defensive end Sheldon Richardson who got the official’s attention.
Look closely at the top-left corner of the video below. Richardson (No. 91) is seen speaking into the ref’s ear a split-second before the ball is snapped.
Though it was Mornhinweg’s idea to call time, Richardson, the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, shouldered the blame.
“I saw Marty calling the timeout, and I was into the game,” Richardson said, via NJ.com. “I knew it was crunch time. I didn’t know if he wanted the timeout or not. I just knew he called it. I helped him out a little bit. I whispered in the referee’s ear ‘timeout,’ and he called it before the ball was thrown. It’s just bad timing on my part. I feel like I let the team down. It just happens when you’re into the game like that, though. …
“It’s fourth down in Lambeau Field and there were 80,000 screaming fans. (The officials) didn’t hear Marty. So I made sure they heard him. It’s my fault.”
The Jets’ drive stalled soon after the score was called back. Green Bay took over and ran out the clock to seal a 31-24 win.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
