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 Philadelphia Eagles territory. Although no fumble was called on the play, immediate replay showed Kyren Williams losing control of the football before being brought down on the play.

Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni hovered on the sideline, ready to throw his red challenge flag onto the field as soon as his coaches gave him the green light. Meanwhile, the Rams offense rushed to the line of scrimmage. Sirianni threw his red challenge flag on the football field, but no official saw him do it. Because the Rams could still get a playoff, many fans at SoFi Stadium and viewers at home believed the previous game was in the record books.

But the red flag remained on the football field. Finally, a referee recognized the flag on the football field and called for a timeout from a referee. And when time was called, the replay revealed evidence to the referee that the play had indeed resulted in a fumble.

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

The answer came from the broadcast booth. NBC NFL rules analyst Terry McAuley just said the flag should be honored even if the officials don’t see it. So while a bit embarrassing, the play was turned around and the Eagles’ offense took over at their own 17-yard line.

Despite the Rams attack, the football is moving well and the Eagles are on their heels deep in their own territory. Kyren Williams has been messing around lately. He has fumbled four times this season, and the Eagles have lost three of four fumbles.

Williams’ fumble certainly 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.

Philadelphia Eagles 3
Los Angeles Rams7

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