The Washington Commanders were in control of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. After falling short in overtime against the Eagles in Week 4, it looked like the Commanders may upset the Eagles this time around.
On the Eagles’ second possession of the third quarter, they were facing a fourth-and-4. In true Nick Sirianni fashion, or perhaps his lack of respect for Washington’s struggling defense, chose to go for it. Quarterback Jalen Hurts found an open DeVonta Smith across the middle for a first down at the Washington 28-yard line.
Officials called it a catch — no debate. But was it a catch? The FOX cameras quickly showed the replays, and if reviewed, there was no way the officials could have stayed with the call. Well, it is NFL officiating, so there’s that.
But judge for yourself.
Devonta smith got credited with a catch for this lmaoo pic.twitter.com/DM0VGj4keX
— John (@iam_johnw) October 29, 2023
The Eagles would score a few plays later, tying the game. While the Commanders would score on their next possession, Smith’s “catch” was on fourth down. Had it been ruled correctly, it would have been Washington ball and prevented a Philadelphia score.
Why didn’t Ron Rivera challenge the call?
Here is Rivera in his own words.
Ron Rivera never saw the replay of DeVonta Smiths 4th down catch, and that’s why he didn’t challenge pic.twitter.com/jigmtPlBuE
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 29, 2023
Amazing.
As expected, Twitter — or X — sounded off on Rivera’s latest gaffe. Here are some of the best reactions.