The Philadelphia Eagles used the rulebook to their advantage Sunday in their Week 12 contest against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Eagles led the Rams 27-14 late in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Facing 3rd-and-3 at the Eagles’ 14, the Rams were flagged for a holding penalty.
Since quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an incomplete pass to Puka Nacua on the play, the Eagles initially opted to decline the penalty and have their opponents face 4th down. But once the Rams lined up to go for it on 4th-and-short, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni suddenly decided to accept the penalty.
The move worked out perfectly for the Eagles. Stafford was sacked for a loss of five on the replayed third down. Rams kicker then missed a 47-yard field goal to keep the lead at 13.
Several fans were stunned that the Eagles were allowed to change their minds on a penalty after seeing the Rams’ formation. While the move was not against the rules, some fans believed it definitely felt like some sort of violation.
how can you choose what to do with a penalty…
…and then change your decision after you see what the offense chooses to do
seen that a couple times today and it doesn't seem like that should be allowed
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 25, 2024
Deciding to take a penalty after Rams decide to go for it should be illegal. Without a doubt. It is a freeroll to see if they will be dumb, absurd
— RetiredDonater (@NFLPinnacleBeat) November 25, 2024
Once you decide to take or not take the penalty, it should be over.
This is BS.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) November 25, 2024
Sirianni declined holding penalty. Rams line up to go for it on fourth-and-3. Sirianni accepts holding penalty.
Why can he do that?
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) November 25, 2024
The moment could have very well changed the complexion of the game. Had the Rams been able to convert on 4th-and-3 and eventually score a touchdown, the Eagles’ lead would have been cut to six.
Instead, the Rams ended up with no points as Philadelphia cruised to a 37-20 victory. The Rams defense just could not stop Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries.
