NFC Championship game features plenty of early controversy for Eagles
Every single play matters when it comes to the NFL playoffs. So, it makes sense why Philadelphia Eagles fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief after the first half of the matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. The Eagles were the beneficiaries of one controversial call, but they weren't as fortunate with the second. […]
Every single play matters when it comes to the NFL playoffs. So, it makes sense why Philadelphia Eagles fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief after the first half of the matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Eagles were the beneficiaries of one controversial call, but they weren't as fortunate with the second. However, the Eagles weren't hurt or affected by the second call, which is obviously a good development on their end.
The first call came in the form of what looked like a highlight-reel catch by DeVonta Smith deep down the left sideline. The Eagles decided to go for it on 4th and 3 from the 9ers 35 instead of trying a 50+ yard field goal in swirling wind.
It was an amazing play by both Smith and Jalen Hurts. After the catch, Smith demanded everyone get to the line of scrimmage as quickly as possible and the Eagles did just that.
The Eagles went on and scored a touchdown a couple of plays later to make it a 7-0 game. Later, after the subsequent commercial break, it was revealed that Smith's play was not in fact, a catch:
The second play was a Brett Kern punt that netted just 24-yards after a botched punt for 34-yards and a 10-yard penalty called on the Eagles.
Kern and just about every person on the Eagles sideline tried to argue that Kern's punt hit the Skycam wire that runs across the field, but the referees eventually decided to keep the call as-is, because there wasn't enough video evidence to replay the down.
Fortunately, for the Eagles, a delay of game penalty and a Javon Hargrave sack stopped the 49ers offense on the ensuing drive.
It was a pretty wild first half and it doesn't look like things are going to change in the second half. So, strap in and enjoy the ride.
Featured image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
