Officiating Error Leads to Washington Field Goal at End of First Half vs. Steelers

An officiating error toward the end of the first half helped Washington get three points against the Steelers on Monday evening.

With Washington driving in field goal range and under 30 seconds to play in the half, Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt sacked Washington quarterback Alex Smith.

Smith came off the field with the ball in his hand as Washington scrambled on the field goal unit. The officials did not notice that Smith left the field with the ball and did not send a kicking ball in from the sideline.

The clock was stopped with eight seconds remaining while the officials corrected the error, giving Washington’s Dustin Hopkins time to kick a 49-yard field goal.

Pittsburgh led, 14-3 at the half after the field goal.