Doing its best Karl Brooks impression, the NFL blocked the Chicago Bears’ claim that the Green Bay Packers committed foul play after blocking a game-winning field goal last Sunday at Soldier Field.
Coach Matt Eberflus and the Bears sent the play to the league for review, claiming the Packers violated a rule by making illegal contact with the long snapper before blocking. If a field goal had been called, the Bears would have gained 15 yards and a second chance to kick the game-winning field goal.
No flag was thrown and the NFL agreed with the decision. According to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-TimesAfter analysis, the league deemed the game “clean”.
Brooks blocked a 46-yard field goal as time expired, allowing the Packers to escape with a 20-19 victory.
Packers defensive lineman TJ Slaton made contact with the Bears long snapper, but he made contact well after the snap and passed the window where the long snapper had time to raise his head and block. Brooks, who had beaten a block past Slaton, raised his left hand and blocked the kick.
Ultimately, the Bears did not block the kick after contact with the long snapper. At least four different players failed their block attempt. Brooks clearly won and made the block. Game over. And now all controversy over the legality of the show is over.
