Commanders’ Dramatic Victory: A Hail Mary for the Ages
In a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his incredible mobility, buying nearly 13 precious seconds to orchestrate a miraculous Hail Mary touchdown that propelled Washington to victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. But there’s a twist to this thrilling tale—two glaring instances of uncalled holding that helped set the stage for this unforgettable moment.
A Play for the Ages
During our lively discussion on Monday’s PFT Live, my co-host Simms and I couldn’t help but marvel at Daniels’ efforts. Those non-calls didn’t just boost Daniels’ time; they paved the way for a pass that had a fighting chance to be batted and caught in the chaotic end zone. It’s the kind of play that leaves you breathless, reminiscent of the stories that legends are made of.
But while the outcome remains unchanged, the reality is that missed calls are part and parcel of the NFL landscape. Take, for example, the Rams’ win over the Vikings to kick off Week 8, punctuated by a face mask that went unnoticed. As frustrating as it is, there’s no protest that can be lodged for these blunders, no matter how obvious they may be.
The Officials’ Oversight
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the officials dropped the ball—twice—on holding penalties during the Commanders’ Hail Mary play. Whether they simply missed the infractions or deemed them inconsequential given the nature of the Hail Mary (a play that’s basically a praying for a miracle moment) is up for debate. One thing’s for sure, the flags stayed tucked away.
In the world of Hail Marys, pushing and shoving is as common as a Sunday barbecue. The league has, for years, adopted a lenient approach, allowing for a bit of roughhousing that would typically draw a penalty in any other situation. This philosophy was highlighted recently when the NFL attempted to refine the rules surrounding pass interference calls, exempting Hail Marys from the meticulous scrutiny that typically defines the game.
The Elephant in the Room
Let’s be real: when blatant pass interference occurs on a Hail Mary, it’s usually flagged—unless, of course, you’re talking about the infamous “Fail Mary” that sparked a whirlwind of controversy and ended a lockout of regular game officials.
The holding that occurred before this latest Hail Mary? It was as clear as day. Commanders fans, it’s okay to admit it; you’re not losing that hard-fought victory!
A Call for Better Officiating
The larger narrative here is that, despite the NFL’s ongoing efforts to enhance officiating standards, there remains a shadow of doubt surrounding the execution of these calls. The level of inconsistency can lead to speculation about the integrity of the game—even when there’s no evidence to back it up.
In a league where every inch counts and every second matters, fans deserve the assurance that the men in stripes are seeing the full picture. Until that day comes, we’ll continue to celebrate the miraculous while shaking our heads at the missed opportunities.
As the dust settles from this electrifying victory, one thing is certain: Washington Commanders fans have a story to tell—a tale of resilience, grit, and a Hail Mary that will be talked about for years to come.
