The illegal touching called on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Antwon Blake following the second quarter punt by Zoltan Mesko against the Oakland Raiders was certainly a big play in the game and a few people have asked me if I could make an animated gif of it.
I have done just that and have watched it for on loop for nearly five minutes. I think it is clear that the ball changes direction after Blake takes a swipe at it and I feel the officials got this one right when the reviewed it.
The Steelers were down 14-3 at the time and needless to say, getting possession of the football at the Raiders 28 yard-line could have easily put them right back in the game.
Plays like this seem to be a common occurrence this season for the Steelers as every bouncing ball seems to go against them. Regardless, major kudos to safety Shamarko Thomas, who alertly pounced on the loose football.
