Eagles’ trick play touchdown may have been an illegal formation

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The Eagles took a 22-12 lead into halftime at Super Bowl LII thanks to a fourth-and-goal trick play that saw quarterback Nick Foles catch a touchdown pass. But that play may have come out of an illegal formation.

Philadelphia appeared to line up with just six players on the line of scrimmage and five behind the line of scrimmage, which would make the play an illegal formation.

It was a close call, with the wide receiver lining up about half a yard behind the line, when he should have been on the line, covering the right tackle. But it easily could have been flagged.

If it had been called, the Eagles would have been penalized five yards and almost certainly would have kicked a field goal on the play. Instead, the Eagles got a touchdown, and were gifted an extra four points.

44 responses to “Eagles’ trick play touchdown may have been an illegal formation

  1. Illegal formation calls vary from ref to ref so stop some refs give more flexibility at the line

  2. Not always called 100% of the time and refs are always a bit more lenient in the SB. Wouldn’t be surprised if they noticed and still didn’t call.

  3. Clearly, the “Fix Is IN” for the Eagles and against the Patriots, so far.
    BTW, when the ball is NOT secured and the receiver steps out of the end line, that is not a catch, so that is another reason to see that the NFL does want a new champion.

  4. GOD, the Eagles cheated again. This time even Collingsworth says he gives up on the call.

  5. Oh hey, but the refs are always on the Patriots side, right internet?

    Now add the bobbled TD that stood up under review somehow.

  6. Foles is absolutely KILLING it out there.

    There is no way Wentz plays any better than this these last couple games, if he’d have even made it that far.

  7. thetooloftools says:
    February 4, 2018 at 9:01 pm
    If this determines the winning margin Pats fans will be crying like lil’ babies
    ——————————————
    Responce: just like idiots like you would cry bloody murder and bring up the “ref” excuse if it be the other way around

  8. briang123 says:
    February 4, 2018 at 9:14 pm
    If you have to say “maybe” then it wasn’t an illegal formation. Either it was or was not.
    *************************
    It wasn’t because there was no flag. Picture doesn’t lie though. Only 6 men on the line of scrimmage.

  9. cadreamer1969 says:
    February 4, 2018 at 9:04 pm
    GOD, the Eagles cheated again. This time even Collingsworth says he gives up on the call.———————————————————————————————–Its not cheating if the ref can not get the call right.

  10. Oh let it go. Thats football. Good game Philly. Congrats.

    Sorry Patriots haters, I cant offer any tears for ya to enjoy. It as still a great season.

  11. psubeerman21 says:
    February 4, 2018 at 9:29 pm
    Kettle calling the pot black. Organization that caught cheating multiple times complaining about a possible illegal formation? Go pound sand

    —————
    Actually this article wasnt put out by the Patriots. And really who cares. Philly won. No excuses. Great game Great season.

  12. Thought I saw a false start on the big 3rd down in 4th Q that wasn’t called. Looked like RT or RG moved pre-snap. I’d have to see the play again & in slow motion to be 100% sure…

  13. Can’t pin the loss on 1 play- Eagles had how many possessions? Pats defense got one lucky pick & made them punt one time….they scored at will. Gotta play defense

  14. elmerbrownelmerbrown says:
    February 4, 2018 at 8:45 pm
    Illegal formation calls vary from ref to ref so stop some refs give more flexibility at the line
    ————-

    Ummm, NO! It is or it isn’t…pictures tell the story, illegal formation. Way past time for full time refs in the NFL.

  15. You don’t know from a screen cap if the WR signaled to the ref he was lining up on the line, which most WR usually do. And the ref will tell to the player if he needs to move up. Here, he did signal to the ref. The ref didn’t say to move up or throw a flag.
    Being on the line is having your head on the center’s hip. He is across the 3 yard line, the center’s hip is behind the 2.
    Legal play.

  16. So kind of like the ineligible receiver crap that the Pats pulled against Baltimore in the Playoffs a while back. The one where the rule was changed after it already had benefited the Pats. The Patriots have been gifted more things than any other team but the instant any type of call doesn’t go their way they cry about it.

  17. How many missed holding penalties were there on the Pats LT. Jesus, that guy was holding like it was going out of style.

  18. The officials and NFL also let Malcolm Butler back in the game after getting knocked out. So, we’re even.

  19. I hear Philly is in Salary Csl trouble next year. One and fine. Enjoy your 1st Super Bowl win. Pay days coming, players going!

  20. davehamgood says:
    February 6, 2018 at 4:58 am
    I hear Philly is in Salary Csl trouble next year. One and fine. Enjoy your 1st Super Bowl win. Pay days coming, players going!
    ————————————–
    Actually, the Eagles are absolutely fine next year. What freaking crybabies!!! HAHAHAHA

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