Packers Lose On Controversial Call 9/24/12

Seattle, Washington-It will go down as one of the wildest and most controversial finishes in NFL history. And the Packers came out on the short end of it.

The Packers lost to the Seahawks 14-12 Monday night on the final play of the game. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary into the endzone as time expired. Five Packers defenders and two Seahawks receivers went up for the ball.

Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings appeared to have the ball pinned against his chest as he fell, but Seahawks receiver Golden Tate reached in with his arm to also grab a piece of the ball.  The replacement officials waited momentarily before signaling touchdown. After the play was reviewed the touchdown call stood.

Making matters worse for the Packers is that the replay showed that there should have been offensive pass interference called against Tate on the play.  He shoved Packers defensive back Sam Shields out of the way just before the ball arrived in the endzone.

Packers Coach Mike McCarthy declined to comment on the officiating after the game.

That play and outcome only adds more fuel to the complaints of players, coaches and fans who have grown fed-up with the replacement refs.

The Packers had taken the lead early in the fourth quarter on their only touchdown of the night, a one yard run by Cedric Benson.

The first half was miserable for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers was sacked eight times.

The Packers drop to 1-2 on the season. Now they'll get ready to face the 0-3 Saints on Sunday.