NFC Championship: Tom Brady, Mike Pereira call out officials for missed Saquon Barkley hold on fourth down
Tom Brady and Mike Pereira believe the officials missed a hold by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley during a four-down play in the NFC Championship game. The play happened late in the second quarter when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed a 31-yard pass to AJ Brown. On the Fox broadcast, Brady said Barkley held Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu.
“I think he gets away with a little bit of a hook,” Brady said. “Mike, what do you think of that?”
“I don’t think there’s anything to think about,” Pereira said indicating that it was a missed holding call by the officials.
It was a crucial missed call as the Eagles scored to take a 20-12 lead over the Commanders late in the second quarter. The Eagles followed that up with another touchdown with 39 seconds left in the half to take a 27-12 lead. They scored again quickly after recovering a Commanders kickoff return at their 24-yard line.
Saquon Barkley having a magical 2024 season
Saquon Barkley is having a year he will never forget. The Penn State alum finished the 2024 regular season with 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries. In the Eagles’ first two playoff games, Barkley rushed for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries.
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Last week, Barkley rushed for a team single-game playoff record 205 yards in a win against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. “It was the same message as last week – the most important thing is winning football games, especially around this time of year,” Barkley said at his locker after the game, per the Eagles’ official website.
“Whatever it takes. Defense, our defense is special. Making plays for us. Of course, we’re going to go back and watch and see what we can do better on offense. Our offensive line did a great job for us, we made the plays and got a win.”
“I think Saquon has been tremendous at that rain, sleet, or snow. So, he’s been able to pound, pound, pound, and then take it off,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said after rushing for 70 yards against the Rams. “That was fun. That was cute, I said, just being able to pop it off first. Saquon needed a break. So, I told him, I’ll do it first.”