NFL Fans Fed Up NBC Rules Analyst Terry McAulay Dolphins Patriots Game

Former NFL referee Terry McAulay faced criticism as a rules analyst for agreeing with controversial officiating calls during the Patriots-Dolphins game.

On yet another eventful NFL Sunday, fans were once again left fuming over controversial officiating decisions. The spotlight this time fell on former NFL referee Terry McAulay, who currently serves as a rules analyst for NBC's "Sunday Night Football" and Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" programs. McAulay's opinions on the referees' calls during the Miami Dolphins-New England Patriots game drew significant criticism.

As a rules analyst, McAulay is frequently asked to provide his expert analysis on whether the officials made the correct calls. However, his agreement with several rulings and calls made during Sunday's game only served to further infuriate fans.

Two particular calls during the Patriots-Dolphins game triggered a backlash from supporters. The first was an unnecessary roughness penalty on Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu for a hit to the head on Jaylen Waddle. This penalty allowed the Dolphins to run down the clock, ultimately resulting in Jason Sanders missing a field goal attempt.

The second contentious ruling occurred on the Patriots' final play of the game. On a crucial 4th-and-4, Mike Gesicki caught a pass from Mac Jones and lateraled it to offensive lineman Cole Strange, who appeared to have gained the first down to extend the game. However, after a thorough review, the officials determined that Strange had fallen short of the first down marker. Many fans disagreed with this decision, believing that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the initial ruling.

Terry McAulay, now 63 years old, officiated in the NFL from 1998 to 2018, and his impressive career included working as a referee in three Super Bowls (Super Bowls 39, 43, and 48). Following his retirement, McAulay transitioned into the broadcast booth for NBC, where he currently lends his expertise alongside Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico.