Why did the refs say they could award a touchdown to the Eagles?

The refs were prepared to award the Eagles a touchdown if the Commanders kept up the tomfoolery.

The Washington Commanders kept jumping offsides as the Philadelphia Eagles lined up at the goal line to try and Tush Push their way into the endzone. On first and goal from the Washington one-yard line, Jonathan Allen was called for lining up offsides. The Birds ran the next play for no gain and then the longest second and goal play in NFL history happened.

Commanders’ linebacker Frankie Luvu tried to time the snap count and went flying over the Eagles offensive line, knocking Jalen Hurts over and, obviously, receiving an encroachment penalty. The Eagles lined up again and…Luvu jumped over the line again, this time with Hurts dodging out of the way.

At this point, the refs warn the Commanders to stop with the shenanigans and, shockingly, the dirty cheaters from Washington didn’t stop! Jonathan Allen was called for encroachment and the ref, Shawn Hochuli, announced to the crowd: “Washington has been advised that at some point the referee can award a score if this type of behavior happens again. For now, it’s a replay of second down.”

Many people were miffed at this ruling!

Well, according to Rule 11, Section 2, Article 1-5 of the NFL Rule Book, “the Referee awards a touchdown to a team that has been denied one by a palpably unfair act.” What is a “palpably unfair act?” Glad you asked!

“A player or substitute shall not interfere with play by any act which is palpably unfair” the rules say.

And here is some further reading on “special enforcement for penalties” especially in regards to half the distance to the goal fouls.

Sadly we didn’t get to the point where the officials awarded the Eagles a touchdown because the Commanders couldn’t control themselves. It didn’t really matter because Hurts did score and now Philadelphia is on their way to the freaking Super Bowl!!!!!!!!!