Replay shows that refs screwed Buccaneers out of game changing TD vs. Saints

Alongside injuries, bad officiating has been a recurring theme for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the season.

Specifically, it seems Cade Otton has been at the center of more than a few controversial moments. There was the catch that was actually an interception against the Lions, as well as the first down call that was overturned on a double review. Then there was Sunday's game against the Saints, when officials refused to throw a flag on what appeared to be blatant pass interference in a critical situation.

The Bucs were down by a touchdown with just over five minutes left in the game, when Otton failed to reel in a catch at the goal line that was just out of his reach.

In real time, the play looked a little suspect, but upon further review of the slow-motion replay, it's pretty clear Otton was getting mugged, and that's why he couldn't reach a catchable pass from Baker Mayfield.

Just look:

No flag was thrown and the Bucs had to settle for a field goal to cut the Saints' lead to four.

Even if Otton hadn't caught the ball -- which he clearly would have if he hadn't been held -- then a flag would have put the ball right on the goal line. At that point Tampa Bay could have either run a few plays and killed some clock or scored right away and rode the momentum.

Neither of those things happened, and it turned the tide of the game.

Of course, this single play isn't the reason Tampa Bay lost, even if it contributed heavily to the game's outcome. Had the Bucs stayed out of their own way and played a two-win team like they should have, then settling for a field goal on that Otton drive wouldn't have been a big deal.

When assigning blame for the way things went, the Bucs need to start with everyone in the locker room before pointing fingers at the refs. Still, it's not exactly helpful that even in a game that was closer than it should have been, bad officiating managed to leave an ugly mark.

It's not why the Bucs lost, but it certainly doesn't make the loss feel any better.