NFL rules analyst explains why Eagles got away with late challenge vs. Rams

On By Littum

The LA Rams almost dodged a bullet. On the first possession of the game, Rams running back Kyren Williams scrambled for a yard deep in Philadelphia Eagles territory. Although no fumble was called during the play, instant replay revealed that Kyren Williams lost control of the football before being hit by the play.

Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni hovered on the sideline, ready to throw his red challenge flag onto the field as soon as his coaches gave him the green light. Meanwhile, the Rams offense rushed to the line. Sirianni threw his red challenge flag onto the football field, but no official saw him do it. When the Rams were able to get another play off, many fans at SoFi Stadium and viewers at home thought the previous game was in the record books.

But the red flag remained on the football field. Ultimately, an official recognized the flag on the football field and called for an officials timeout. And in time, replay revealed evidence to the referee that the play did indeed result in a fumble.

So what gives? How could the umpires delete a play and review a previous play that was challenged but not called by the umpires?

The answer to that came from the dispatch booth. NBC NFL rules analyst Terry McAuley just said that the flag must be honored even if the referees can’t see it. So while it was a little embarrassing, the play was turned over and the Eagles offense took over at their own 17 yard line.

Despite the Rams offense, the football moved well and put the Eagles on their heels deep in their own territory. Kyren Williams has fumbled lately. He has fumbled four times this season and the Eagles have lost three of four of those fumbles.

Williams’ fumble certainly took points off the board for the Rams and allowed the Eagles to be the first team to score. Fortunately, the Rams were able to score on their next offensive possession. And as expected, this one has been a hard slugfest at the line of scrimmage.

Philadelphia Eagles 3
Los Angeles Rams 7

As always, thanks for reading.