NFL officials overturn penalty against Eagles player CJ Gardner-Johnson after helmet fell off, fans unconvinced
The Philadelphia Eagles were leading the Atlanta Falcons late in the fourth quarter and had to make a decisive stop to the Kirk Cousins-led offense on fourth down with 5:38 left in the game.
Cousins received the snap and handed the ball off to running back Bijan Robinson. The second-year player was abruptly stopped by Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson. As the defensive back tried to celebrate the play, it looked like he had taken off his helmet.
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Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (No. 8) looks on during warmups before an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Neo Quimica Arena in São Paulo. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
NFL officials thought so too and threw a flag at Gardner-Johnson, which would have given the Falcons more downs and extended the drive. Gardner-Johnson and his teammates were able to convince the officials that the helmet had accidentally flown off his head.
If the decision had stood, it would have been a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Fans were not entirely convinced that Gardner-Johnson did not intentionally remove his helmet after stopping Robinson.
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (No. 1) runs past CJ Gardner-Johnson (No. 8) of the Philadelphia Eagles for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Instead, the Eagles, who were leading 18-15 at the time, got the ball on offense to try to run out the clock for the rest of the game.
Philadelphia finished its next drive with a field goal to take the lead. However, Cousins drove the Falcons back down the field and scored a touchdown. The extra point put the team ahead 22-21 with less than a minute left on the clock.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (No. 1) runs past Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver CJ Gardner-Johnson (No. 8) for a touchdown after a catch in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 16, 2024. (Bill Streicher-Images)
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Jalen Hurts tried to put the Eagles in a favorable position, but was intercepted.
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