Post by Matt Meyer | On Twitter @bluto51
I didn’t do it after Oklahoma played at Texas Tech in November of 2005. I didn’t do it after Oklahoma played at Oregon in September of 2006. I didn’t do it after Game 2 of the NBA Finals in June of 2012. I didn’t do it after Dallas played at Green Bay in January of 2015.
What do these games have in common? The teams that I wanted to win didn’t. What is “it?” Complain about officiating.
It’s a shame that such a great football game between two fantastic teams on the biggest stage in sport is being overshadowed by a play that really isn’t that controversial at all. James Bradberry held JuJu Smith-Schuster. Video evidence proves this. If you have two eyes and an objective mind, you can see it.
Could holding be called on many more plays than it is, maybe even every play? Yes. Should it have been called on this play? Yes. Did it decide the game? No.
Sixty minutes of football decided that. Sixty minutes of football in which the Eagles outplayed the Chiefs in a lot of ways. Jalen Hurts made more plays than Patrick Mahomes in this game. As if there was any doubt before the game, hopefully nobody doubts it now…Hurts is one of the best QB’s in the sport, and frankly, this coming from a Cowboys fan, is one of my favorite players in the NFL. I know, I can’t believe I’m saying that either, but it’s undeniable.
However, his fumble that was returned by Nick Bolton 36 yards for a score was a gigantic play in this game. The only turnover, and it was returned for a TD. Eagles were fortunate that another fumble that Bolton returned for a score was overturned, because I’m not sure it should’ve been. Philly was fortunate that a Dallas Goedert reception was upheld by replay, because I’m not sure it should’ve been.
You get good breaks and bad breaks. That’s sports. I refuse to believe that one play or one call costs the game. Can it have a big effect? Of course. But one play or call deciding a game? You’ll never convince me of that.
How about giving credit to Patrick Mahomes for gutting it out after reinjuring his ankle? Play of the game happened three plays before the “controversy,” Mahomes scrambling for 26 yards down to the Eagles 17, putting them in FG range.
How about giving credit to Jerick McKinnon for going down at the 2 when the Philadelphia defense was trying to allow him to score? Incredibly intelligent play.
How about giving credit to an offensive line for not allowing a defense that had the third most sacks in the history of the NFL to sack their QB once? Not one time. Remarkable.
How about giving credit to Andy Reid and Eric Bienemy for drawing up TD plays in which Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore could’ve crab walked into the end zone?
I’ll also give credit to James Bradberry and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. When asked about the holding call, they showed complete class. Bradberry admitted he held Smith-Schuster. Sirianni said it isn’t his job to officiate.
Gosh darn it, these are the Eagles…I’m supposed to not like them! Can’t help but respect them though. By the way, they aren’t going anywhere. I still believe they have the best roster in pro football. If I had to pick a team to win Super Bowl 58, it would probably be them.
But they didn’t win Super Bowl 57. The Chiefs did, and they deserve all the credit…and there’s no controversy in that.