"The hot dog vendor had better chance": Chris Simms slams NFL referees over "Ridonkulous" PI call against Texans' Alec Pierce

NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms lashed out at NFL officials following a questionable pass interference penalty called against Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock. It happened during the team's 20-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The controversial call came on third-and-19 late in the third quarter at the Texans' 44-yard line.

Simms called out the lack of judgment from the officiating crew.

"This is so bad," Simms said, via "Football Night in America." "We need common sense in the NFL at the referees. The ball lands by the yellow dotted line. The hot dog vendor had a better chance at catching that than Alec Pierce. That is ridiculous. Ridonkulous."

With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones threw a deep pass intended for wide receiver Alec Pierce. Officials flagged Bullock for pass interference, awarding the Colts a 32-yard penalty and a first down. The issue with the call was that the pass sailed out of bounds.

Bullock made contact with Pierce by grabbing his hand; however, the ball landed beyond Pierce's reach. The penalty proved to be crucial for the Colts. Jones connected with Tyler Warren for a 12-yard touchdown on the next play, and Michael Badgley nailed the extra point to tie the game.

The Texans scored a touchdown in the final quarter while limiting Indianapolis to a field goal to secure the win. Houston (7-5) has won its last four games, while Indianapolis has lost three of it last four matchups.

Poor referee decision in Texans vs. Colts game

The pass interference call wasn't the only controversial officiating incident of the Texans-Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium. With 14:51 remaining and the score tied 13-13, Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II was penalized for defensive pass interference on receiver Xavier Hutchinson. Officials deemed that Moore committed an "arm grab " despite replays showing minimal contact.

Houston also avoided a delay of the game penalty when C.J. Stroud took the snap after the play clock expired. However, the most questionable call was Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn's extra point attempt following a Nico Collins touchdown run.

The ball seemed to have drifted to the right and missed the goalpost. Since the ball was above it, the call was unreviewable under NFL rules. The Colts dropped to second in the AFC South after their second consecutive loss.