Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts receives a rare delay of game penalty for spiking the football after a first down during Monday Night Football. Learn about the NFL’s rules on celebrations.
BollywoodFever: NFL officiating can sometimes leave fans scratching their heads, and during the Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, a rare penalty call had everyone talking.
After advancing 70 yards in 11 plays to score their first touchdown, Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts was flagged for a five-yard delay of game penalty.
The penalty came after Hurts scrambled for 23 yards on a crucial fourth-and-3, and in celebration, spiked the football.
While spiking the ball after a score is common, the NFL’s rulebook under Section 6 “Delay of Game” clearly states that spiking or throwing the ball in the field of play after a down has ended—except after a score—is considered a delay of game.
The referees applied this rule correctly, moving the ball back five yards for a first-and-15. However, Hurts’ first down stood, and the Eagles continued their drive.
The penalty did not affect the team’s momentum, as wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught a seven-yard touchdown pass a few plays later.
Despite the setback, the Eagles are trailing the Falcons 15-10 with the fourth quarter underway.
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