NFL world 'livid' over controversial final call in Super Bowl drama
The final call all but decided the outcome of the Super Bowl.
The NFL world has been left gobsmacked after a controversial call against the Eagles in the final moments all but sealed Super Bowl LVII for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes elevated his game to to the next level in the second half for the Chiefs as they won a thrilling Super Bowl encounter 38-35.
The clash was littered with controversial calls, but the biggest came with just a two minutes left. At 35-all, a 3rd-and-8 down penalty cost the Eagles dearly and allowed the Chiefs to run out the clock.
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Mahomes received the ball and thew it long to JuJu Smith-Schuster. The ball hit the deck, but a flag was called.
The officials deemed that James Bradberry had held Smith-Schuster in the build-up. The Chiefs were awarded an automatic first down and were able to run down the clock until Harrison Butker stepped up and slotted the field goal.
The Eagles were unable to score off the return, which saw the Chiefs reign supreme. While Mahomes led his men back in the second half and deserved the title, many felt the thriller was decided on a very soft penalty.
Fans, including NBA superstar LeBron James, took to social media to blast the call in the final moments.
Sorry but I don’t like that call! Not for the Super Bowl man! 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 13, 2023
I mean, you just can’t throw this flag. Not under 2 minutes. pic.twitter.com/PmdyaERKfC
— Kendall Beck (@KBeckEagles) February 13, 2023
That call doesn’t get made…and Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have the ball, down 3, 1:30 or so left, no TOs…trying to force OT or maybe win the Super Bowl
That’s EVERYTHING a football fan dreams about seeing…THAT situation, THAT drama..
And we get a flag to talk about instead— Bob Wischusen (@espnbob) February 13, 2023
A flag loses the Eagles the game😂
The script writer is crazy for that— Double H (@DoubleH_YT) February 13, 2023
Can't lie, even though I have money on the Chiefs. Eagles fans should be livid with that flag.
— Malcolm Hart (@MrHart__) February 13, 2023
Earlier, DeVonta Smith had a catch overturned after a lengthy review in the second quarter for the Eagles. The Eagles were looking to extend their lead against the Chiefs with time ticking down in the second quarter during Super Bowl LVII.
A deep pass found Smith as he appeared to gather the ball, with the help of his helmet, before he left the field of play. However, after a review on the video replay the officials overturned the decision to a no-catch.
The decision was overturned after it was deemed Smith did not have full control of the ball before going out of bounds. Once the ball bobbled upon hitting the ground, the officials deemed he didn't have possession.
However, this didn't sit well with everyone. The no-catch ruling has divided fans this year, but many still couldn't agree on whether Smith had control. Many felt Smith had control and still did when he hit the turf.
That’s nonsense.
Replay is a good idea, this decision gives it a bad name. #SuperBowl— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) February 13, 2023
#NFL wants receivers to take the ball off the field, into the locker room, place the ball into a duffle bag, drive it home, sign it and place it in a trophy case, before they consider it a catch. #SuperBowl
— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) February 13, 2023
VAR got it wrong. #SuperBowl
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) February 13, 2023
Still waiting for @thecarm’s ruling on how Devonta Smith should have handled that catch/no-catch situation
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) February 13, 2023
Good call though the ball moves big time when he hit the ground lost control I seen it right away not sure why they didn’t though
— $uper Mario (@xmariomc) February 13, 2023
The ball moved when it touched the ground. That's been a no catch for eternity
— AP (@Gam1ng_Dynasty) February 13, 2023
No-catch rule causes havoc at NFL Super Bowl
Not long after in the third quarter, the no-catch rule came into question a further two times. The most controversial was when Miles Sanders was hit and fumbled the ball as he appeared to catch a pass.
Sanders fumbled and the Chiefs went over for a touchdown after recovering, which would have put them in the lead. However, officials overturned the call after they suggested Sanders never had control of the ball. Sanders' no-catch essentially helped the Eagles as it was ruled an incomplete pass.
This sparked another debate with many claiming the NFL wasn't consistent with its no-catch rule.
Did the Chiefs get robbed? pic.twitter.com/gLrSt3pn7t
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 13, 2023
For those of you who may only watch the Super Bowl: this whole question of what constitutes a catch goes on all season.
— Niels Lesniewski (@nielslesniewski) February 13, 2023
Two feet down is all you need for a catch before falling out of bounds. But not before getting hit and losing the ball. (I’m over explaining the rules to English people.) #SuperBowl
— Brendan Hunt (@brendanhunting) February 13, 2023
It’s the Super Bowl and we don’t know what a catch really is.
— Goodberry Variant (@Glenn_Goodberry) February 13, 2023
If that’s a catch then Miles sanders fumbled the football
— lami⭐️ (@lamibackup) February 13, 2023
Before the game, controversy erupted before kick-off when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was honoured after winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The prestigious honour is bestowed upon the NFL player who is a standout on the field - but more importantly for their contribution off the field.
Despite the nature of the award and the enormous amount of good that Prescott is doing off the field, it didn't stop rival fans from booing him before kick-off for Super Bowl LVII. As soon as the name of the Cowboys star was announced at State Farm Stadium, a chorus of jeers rang out from the stands.
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