Getty Image / Gus Stark
NFL referees are usually pretty good about blowing plays dead to protect ballcarriers from huge hits when their forward progress has been stopped. But, they dropped the ball in a big way, and it may cost Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith some time.
In the second half of the Eagles’ contest against the New Orleans Saints, Devonta Smith caught a pass over the middle and was wrapped about by the Saints’ defense. But, the referees allowed the play to continue, and he got absolutely hammered.
The Eagles are already without AJ Brown, who is nursing a hamstring injury. After this hit they might be without Devonta Smith for a while, too. Take a look.
Direct helmet to helmet late hit on DeVonta Smith which left him down on the field motionless. No flag on the play.
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) September 22, 2024
Why was this play not blown dead? His progress is clearly stopped, and he’s in a vulnerable position. This type of play is blown dead nearly every time in the NFL.
People on social media couldn’t quite understand why it wasn’t blown dead.
“If DeVonta Smith is seriously injured it is entirely the fault of NFL refs refusing to blow the whistle on a completed play. Absolutely disgraceful,” one twitter user said.
‘Still can’t believe I watched the refs allow a dead play to continue. Devonta was no longer progressing forward. The refs are single handedly responsible for what happened to Devonta Smith and they need to be penalized for it. Hey @NFLOfficiating, do better. Unacceptable. #eagles” another said.
Smith was ruled out with a concussion after the hit and did not return to the Eagles’ dramatic 15-12 win over the Saints. If he misses significant time, the referee standing right there watching the play should feel responsible.