Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo said the back judge had a simple explanation for why he missed a holding call on the 41-yard touchdown pass late in the game.
“He was looking downfield,” Orakpo said. “That’s exactly what [Rob Vernatchi] told me….You have back judges for a reason. For him to tell me he wasn’t looking, that he’s looking downfield… We have downfield judges for that.”
Coach Mike Shanahan said, “He wasn’t held, he was mugged.”
Tampa Bay left tackle Donald Penn had his arm around Orakpo’s neck. Had a penalty been called, it would have nullified the scoring pass to tight end Kellen Winslow, which helped give Tampa a 17-10 lead en route to a 17-16 victory.
“Yeah, I saw the image,” Orakpo said. “It’s clear as day. It was ridiculous. That was one of the most blatant [holds], almost like Dallas. … I was held around the neck.
“That’s a huge play that could have turned the game around if I make that play and I’m right there and for someone to hold me around the neck, it’s not fair to the team or the defense that’s working so hard.”
Orakpo, who drew a holding call vs. Dallas in the season opener that wiped out a late touchdown, knows there isn’t much he can do.
“I just want to keep doing my thing,” he said. “But when you’re in position like that you can’t do anything. You hope the refs will see it and make the correct call.”
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