NFL rules blocked field goal by Packers to beat Bears was clean, report says

Posted by Admin November 23, 2024 NFL

No penalty should have been called on the final game-winning blocked field goal play by Packers’ defensive tackle Karl Brooks, a source told the Chicago Sun-Times.

The news follows Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus’ decision to send video to the league office for review, saying defensive lineman T.J. Slaton made contact with the long snapper Scott Daly, which can result in a penalty due to the snapper being defenseless.

The Packers beat the Bears Sunday 20-19 after Brooks surged through the line of scrimmage to block the potential game-winning field goal from Cairo Santos.

Green Bay was “on our long snapper” and a flag should have been called, Eberflus told reporters on Monday. But, according to the Friday report, the Bears were told the NFL’s officiating staff determined the play was clean.

Each week, teams can provide a list of plays for the NFL officiating staff to review and provide candid feedback on, in an effort to make sure coaches are clear on what is and what is not a foul. Coaches can convey that information to players. However, the league insists teams not reveal the contents of discussions between the NFL and the individual franchises.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked Monday about the Bears’ decision to send video for review.

“I’ve seen a lot of plays where I thought a penalty should’ve been called, and it doesn’t happen, so I’ll leave it at that,” he said. “I thought there were multiple plays in that game, it happens. That’s why I never want to leave it in the hands of the officials. You’ve got to stay out of those situations as best you can.”

JR Radcliffe contributed to this report.