Terry McAulay Criticizes Officials for Missing Clear Penalty on 49ers in Falcons Game: ‘It Was a Blatant Mistake’
New York, NY – October 15, 2025 — Former NFL referee Terry McAulay has sharply criticized the officiating in the San Francisco 49ers' recent matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, pointing out a clear missed penalty that he believes significantly impacted the outcome of the game. McAulay, who now serves as an analyst, called the decision “blatant” and questioned how such a crucial call could be overlooked.
“The penalty on the Falcons was as clear as day,” McAulay said in a statement following the game. “It was a critical moment, and the officials missed it entirely. I’m not one to criticize referees lightly, but this was a mistake that should not have happened, especially in such an important game.”
The incident in question occurred late in the second half when a Falcons defender made clear contact with 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, which many believe should have resulted in a pass interference penalty. The non-call left 49ers players and fans frustrated, as it could have extended a key drive and shifted momentum.
“This is one of those calls that could have changed the course of the game,” McAulay continued. “When the referees miss something so obvious, it not only affects the team on the receiving end but also undermines the integrity of the game. The NFL needs to make sure situations like this don’t happen again.”
Despite the missed call, the 49ers went on to secure a victory, but McAulay’s comments have reignited debates about officiating consistency, particularly in high-stakes moments. With the season progressing, the call has once again raised questions about the quality and accuracy of NFL officiating, as teams and fans alike continue to demand fairness and clarity on the field.
Quinshon Judkins Shines with Hat-Trick in Browns' Dominant 31-6 Win Over Dolphins
In a statement-making performance, Quinshon Judkins led the Cleveland Browns to a much-needed 31-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, recording a rare hat-trick that revitalized the team and put the Browns back on track after a tough stretch of losses.
A Star is Born
Quinshon Judkins, the Browns' standout running back, was the undisputed star of the night. The rookie running back was nearly unstoppable, scoring three touchdowns, including a 46-yard rush that displayed both his speed and power. Judkins’ first touchdown came in the second quarter, a highlight reel-worthy 46-yard sprint that left defenders grasping at air. His second touchdown came in the third quarter, this time from Wildcat formation, proving that Judkins has the versatility to impact the game in a variety of ways.
"It feels amazing," said Judkins post-game. "This win was all about the team. We’ve been through some tough times, but tonight we showed what we’re made of. I just did my part, but it’s the whole team—offense, defense, special teams—that made this happen. We’re not done yet; this is just the beginning."
The former SEC standout’s performance was a major boost for a team that had been struggling to find rhythm in the early part of the season. His three-touchdown game marked the first time a Browns player had done so since Nick Chubb in 2022, cementing Judkins’ place in Browns history early in his career.
Dillon Gabriel’s Solid Debut
Making his first home start for the Browns, rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel also turned in a promising performance. Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 116 yards, showing poise in a game that was largely controlled by the ground attack. Although he didn't throw for a touchdown, his efficient play kept the offense moving and set the stage for Judkins’ explosive day.
Gabriel said of the win, “It’s all about execution. Judkins carried us today, and the defense kept their foot on the gas. We’re playing complementary football, and that’s how we’ll win games moving forward.”
Browns’ Defense Dominates
While the offense was firing on all cylinders, the Browns’ defense also had a standout performance. The defensive line, led by the relentless Micah Parsons, recorded two sacks and kept the Dolphins’ offense off-balance for the majority of the game. The secondary, including standout performances from rookie Ronnie Hickman and cornerback Denzel Ward, contributed to the dominance with two key interceptions and several pass deflections.
The Browns' defense forced the Dolphins to punt on multiple occasions and limited their ability to gain momentum. The Dolphins’ star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, struggled to find a rhythm and was eventually benched late in the third quarter after an underwhelming performance.
Special Teams Contribution
It wasn’t just the offense and defense that contributed to the Browns’ victory; special teams also made their presence felt. Gage Larvadain provided an electric return early in the second half, setting up great field position and giving the offense a short field to work with. Meanwhile, Grant Delpit’s pressure on the Dolphins’ special teams led to a crucial fumble recovery, further solidifying Cleveland’s control of the game.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Browns improve to 3-4 on the season, giving them hope as they head into their next match against the New England Patriots. Judkins’ standout performance, combined with solid contributions from Gabriel and the defense, indicates that the Browns may be turning a corner after a rough start.
“We’re taking this one game at a time,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski. “Tonight was about showing resilience and playing complementary football. We’ve got a lot of work ahead, but we’ll enjoy this one and keep building on it.”
For Cleveland, the road ahead is crucial as they look to make a push for the playoffs. With a solid offensive attack and a defense that continues to improve, the Browns may have finally found their stride. As Judkins said, “This is just the beginning.” If this performance is any indication, the Browns are far from finished.
