The Cleveland Browns Got Screwed When Washington Was Awarded Fumble, Even Though Duke Johnson Was Holding the Ball

The key swing play in the Cleveland-Washington game yesterday doesn’t look like it should have been ruled the way it was. After Washington had taken a 24-20 lead in the fourth quarter, the Browns were at midfield when Duke Johnson ran left, and lost the football. However, as you can see, he quickly comes out of the developing pile and stands up with the football before line judge Sarah Thomas has even uncovered the pile.

He’s holding the football up in his right hand when she signals that the ball belongs to Washington. The players in the pile are still fighting for a non-existent football as the whistles are blowing.

Washington didn’t score on that possession, but punted and pinned Cleveland inside its own 10, where Cody Kessler was picked off by Josh Norman, setting off his bow and arrow celebration, and setting up the decisive touchdown that sealed the game.

At this point, it’s getting old, but I’m sorry Browns fans. The Browns are the only remaining winless team in the NFL and next up is New England, with Tom Brady returning.