The officials played a significant role in the first half of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, prompting mixed reactions from Tom Brady, who was calling the game for Fox. Late in the second quarter, the Eagles, nursing a 14-12 lead, faced a crucial fourth-and-five. They opted to play aggressively, and their decision paid off when Jalen Hurts successfully connected with A.J. Brown on a 31-yard pass for the first down. However, some felt the play was aided by a non-call for holding against running back Saquon Barkley during a key block.
“I think [Saquon Barkley] gets away with a little bit of a hook…” – Tom Brady
“I don’t think there’s anything to think about. That was clearly a hold and should’ve been called.” – Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira 🏈🦓🎙️#NFL pic.twitter.com/uM4Uf2vuGJ https://t.co/A4Dl2oxC0s
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 26, 2025
Later in the drive, the Eagles faced another controversial no-call when Hurts aimed a pass at tight end Dallas Goedert in the end zone. The pass was incomplete, but many believed there was ample contact from defensive back Marshon Lattimore without a penalty. Brady defended the no-call along with similar ones, stating, “Yeah, there’s a little contact… when you’re a big man — a tight end — they’re usually not going to give you those type of calls. I do like the ability in the playoffs; I’ve always felt this as a player: let the players play. I don’t love seeing the refs factor into too many games. I want to see the players on the field decide why they advance or not.”
Earlier in the series, the Commanders were not called for pass interference. Tom Brady agreed.
“I do like, the ability in the playoffs…let the players play…I don’t love seeing the refs factor into too many games.” pic.twitter.com/6K3F88m5gq https://t.co/itA2wM2vke
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 26, 2025
Despite the no-call, it didn’t prove too costly for the Eagles, who scored later in the possession. Later in the half, another close play resulted in a penalty — in favor of the Eagles. Barkley caught a short pass from Hurts and appeared to step out of bounds, seemingly setting up a fourth down. However, after Barkley’s first foot hit the sideline, he was hit by Washington’s Mike Sainristil, who was penalized for a late hit, giving the Eagles a new set of downs. Upon watching the replay, Brady supported the penalty, a sentiment echoed by Pereira.
Before the TD, there was a late hit call against Mike Sainristil.
“THERE’S A PENALTY! OH MY GOODNESS!” – Kevin Burkhardt
“I think that’s a good call.” – Tom Brady
“The left foot’s down out of bounds just prior to the contact.” – Mike Pereira pic.twitter.com/upVzZ1hUw5 https://t.co/by8m9uRo36
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 26, 2025
In this instance, Brady was correct by the letter of the law, though the play was close. Although the contact from Sainristil occurred after Barkley had gone out of bounds, Sainristil approached him quickly, making it difficult to avoid contact. While it was the right call, it also seemed to fit into the “non-egregious” category that Brady referenced earlier.
