Bears have important TD wiped out by questionable low block call by refs

Considering the Chicago Bears' offensive struggles this season, taking away a touchdown borders on cruelty.

Down 14-3 in the third quarter on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bears quarterback Justin Field connected with Jimmy Graham on what would have been a 1-yard touchdown (video above). It was a great play ... until a yellow flag was tossed to the ground.

The penalty? A low block by Bears guard James Daniels. Actually, it was an attempted low block, as replay showed Daniels whiffing on the supposed illegal block on T.J. Watt.

Instead of being down only 14-9 with a potential two-point conversion coming up, the Bears were pushed back to the 16-yard line. The Bears eventually lost, 29-27.

The call was questionable enough that a couple former NFL players chimed in:

As NBC Chicago's Adam Hoge pointed out, the Steelers also benefited from a change in rules regarding low blocks, as such calls were previously forbidden only in the tackle box. Now, it's the "tight end box."

Frustrations mounted over the next two plays, as Fields got hit hard and late. The officials held onto their flags for those plays, leaving the Bears to settle for a field goal.

Viewers were unimpressed with the whole sequence:

And yet, none of that was even the worst call against the Bears, as another would come much later in a 29-27 Steelers win.