Marquez Valdes-Scantling voices complaint against referees missing OPI call in Steelers' 13-6 loss vs. Browns

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Marquez Valdes-Scantling was not pleased with the officials following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The veteran wide receiver believed he was interfered with on a fourth-down play in the end zone. The no-call killed his team's hopes of a comeback at Huntington Bank Field.

Valdes-Scantling didn't mince words while talking about the referees' decision on a game-deciding play.

"On that fourth down, went to attack (Browns cornerback Denzel) Ward," Valdes-Scantling said. "Got a double on him. Got a pretty clean release on him, got on top of him, and ball went up. Good job playing through me. I thought I should've got a call, but no call was made."

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Down 13-6 in the final minute, Aaron Rodgers guided the Steelers to Cleveland's’ 7-yard line. All four targets went to Valdes-Scantling, with the last coming on a fourth-and-goal fade to the right corner against Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. The pass went incomplete, and while Valdes-Scantling was hoping for a flag, no PI was called.

Both DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III were sidelined, leaving Valdes-Scantling taking on a bigger role behind Adam Thielen. The two-time Super Bowl champion caught three receptions for 21 yards on nine targets.

Rodgers backed his receiver, saying to reporters he believed it was interference and that Valdes-Scantling did enough to earn a call. However, the Browns defense was credited with a goal-line stand, which held the Steelers offense without a touchdown and sacked the veteran quarterback four times.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling's Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the Pittsburgh Steelers could have punched their ticket to the postseason with a win on Sunday. However, Shedeur Sanders and Co. did them a favor by leaving Huntington Bank Field with a 13-6 victory.

All eyes will be on Acrisure Stadium when Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore on Sunday. The Steelers (9-7) are atop the AFC North, with the Ravens (8-8) breathing down their necks.

It will be a win-or-go-home scenario between the division rivals. Pittsburgh will make the playoffs with a win or tie, while a loss would hand the AFC North title and a postseason ticket to Baltimore. Kickoff is scheduled at 8:20 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez

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