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

The LA Rams almost dodged a bullet. On the first possession of the game, Rams running back Kyren Williams fought for a yard deep in the Philadelphia Eagles territory. While no fumble was called during the play, instant replay revealed that Kyren Williams did lose control of the football before he was downed on the play.

Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni hovered on the sideline poised to throw his red challenge flag onto the field as soon as his coaches gave him the green light. Meanwhile, the Rams offense hurried to the line of scrimmage. Sirianni threw his red challenge flag onto the football field, but no official saw him do so. Since the Rams were able to get another play off, many fans at SoFi Stadium and viewing at home believed that the previous play was in the record books.

But the red flag remained on the football field. Ultimately, an official did recognize the flag on the football field and called for an official's time out. And with time called, replay revealed evidence to the referee that the play did indeed result in a fumble.

So what gives? How could the officials erase a play and review a previous play that was challenged but not reviewed by the officials?

The answer to that came from the broadcast booth. NBC NFL rules analyst Terry McAuley just said the flag has to be honored even if the refs don't see it. So while a bit embarrassing, the play was reversed, and the Eagles offense took over on their own 17-yard line.

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

Williams' fumble surely 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 tough slugfest at the line of scrimmage.

After the first quarter

Philadelphia Eagles 3
Los Angeles Rams 7

As always, thanks for reading.

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