NFL explains decision behind bizarre Browns fumble call

The NFL issued a statement Monday supporting the controversial decision its on-field officials made to award a fumble to the Washington Redskins in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

The somewhat bizarre play saw Browns running back Duke Johnson fumble the ball and a Browns player appears to clearly come up with the recovery. Despite this, the Redskins were awarded the ball.

The NFL said the play was confirmed as a fumble by instant replay but there was no definitive evidence that the issue of possession in the pile should have been reviewed.

Though the Browns player clearly possessed the ball outside the pile, the NFL said there's no evidence a Browns player gained possession in the pile.

Considering the game was in the fourth quarter with a score of 24-20 at the time of the fumble, and the Redskins went on to win the game, the NFL's explanation probably won't do much to ease Browns fans' anger.