Was Philly Special Illegal Formation? The Debate Continues
The Philadelphia Eagles’ iconic play, known as “Philly Special,” has been a subject of debate and controversy since its inception. This play, which involved a lateral pass on a seemingly routine kick return, was called “illegal formation” by the officials, resulting in a touchback and a significant setback for the Eagles. But was this truly an illegal formation, or was it simply a strategic move that went against the conventional rules of the game?
The play in question occurred during the 2017 NFL Divisional Round game against the Washington Redskins. The Eagles were trailing 10-6 with just over a minute remaining in the game when they lined up in a formation that seemed unconventional at best. As the ball was kicked, Eagles returner Darren Sproles received the kick and immediately began to move laterally. As he approached the line of scrimmage, he lateraled the ball to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who then continued to run laterally. This move was designed to create confusion among the Redskins defense and gain extra yardage.
However, the officials ruled the play illegal, stating that the Eagles had too many players in the backfield at the time of the lateral. This ruling led to a touchback, effectively ending the Eagles’ hopes of a comeback. The decision sparked a heated debate among fans, players, and coaches, with many questioning whether the officials made the correct call.
Supporters of the Eagles’ argument claim that the formation was not illegal, as the rules do not explicitly state that a lateral cannot be thrown if there are too many players in the backfield. They argue that the play was a strategic move to create confusion and gain extra yardage, and that the officials’ decision was a mistake.
On the other hand, critics of the Eagles’ play argue that the rules are clear and that the formation was indeed illegal. They point out that Rule 8, Section 1, Article 2 of the NFL rulebook states that “no player shall be forward of the line of scrimmage at the time a forward pass is thrown.” They argue that the Eagles’ formation violated this rule, and that the officials made the correct call.
The debate over whether the Philly Special was an illegal formation has also sparked a discussion about the rules of the game and how they are enforced. Some fans and players believe that the rules should be modified to allow for more creative plays like Philly Special, while others argue that the rules are in place to ensure fair competition and safety.
In conclusion, the debate over whether the Philly Special was an illegal formation continues to rage on. While there are valid arguments on both sides, it is clear that the decision by the officials had a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Whether or not the play was illegal, it has become a symbol of the importance of rules and strategy in the world of professional football.
