Challenges playing a role early in NFC Championship

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (1) during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Challenges playing a huge role early in NFC Championship Game

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 1/29/23

The Philadelphia Eagles got on the board early during Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers on a six-yard touchdown run from Miles Sanders to cap off their first drive.

However, it did not come without drama. Two plays before, DeVonta Smith caught a 29-yard pass from Jalen Hurts on fourth-and-3 from the 49ers’ 35-yard line.

Philadelphia ran up to the line after Smith seemed to make a catch of the year candidate. But upon further review, it was clear that the ball hit the ground before the star wide receiver had possession.

The Devonta Smith one-handed catch should've actually been incomplete as the ball clearly hit the ground. Eagles hurried to the line, seems like the 49ers didn't get the correct angle in time. Huge, huge miss.pic.twitter.com/efJ9pmb3sC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2023

Unfortunately for the 49ers, head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. did not challenge the call on the field. In turn, Philadelphia took an early touchdown lead.

On San Francisco’s first possession of the game, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was hit by Pro Bowl linebacker Haason Reddick with the ball popping out. Initially, officially on hand inside Lincoln Financial Field called it an incomplete pass.

Unlike the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni challenged the ruling on the field. It sure looked like Purdy didn’t have control as his arm moved forward.

Haason Reddick 2 sacks already

Wow he has 19.5 sacks this year including playoffs

pic.twitter.com/0idQTCeOef
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 29, 2023

Officials on hand inside Lincoln Financial Field agreed by overturning the call on the field and giving the ball to Philadelphia.

In a bit of more bad news for the 49ers, Purdy suffered an elbow injury on the play and was replaced by veteran journeyman Josh Johnson under center for San Francisco.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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