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Vikings use replay challenge again to secure touchdown ruling

Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 27: A red challenge flag lays on the field after head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens (not pictured) challenged a play against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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The Vikings have scored a pair of touchdowns against the Cardinals. Both weren’t ruled touchdowns on the field. Both became touchdowns via replay review.

First it was a clear catch made by receiver Adam Thielen, and then it was a touchdown run by running back Adam Thielen. In each case, an official looking right at the play missed the call.

The chronic inability of officials to make the right decision in real time with the naked eye underscores the need for a video official, who serves as a member of the officiating crew and who helps the on-field officials fix mistakes quickly and efficiently, separate from the full-blown replay process.

Until then, the rules regarding automatic replay review should be expanded to include not only scoring plays but plays that would have been scoring plays if the ruling on the field had gone the other way.

And by the way the Vikings failed to convert another extra point. The attempt from Kai Forbath was blocked.