Eagles edge Rams as late blocks seal win amid tush push controversy

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams 33-26 on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, a game decided as much by special-teams chaos in the fourth quarter as by an early controversial play that reignited debate over the Eagles signature "tush push" short-yardage play. Replays showed Philadelphia likely getting away with a false start on a fourth-and-1 at the Rams 3-yard line on the opening drive, a noncall that helped keep the series alive and ultimately led to a one-yard Jalen Hurts touchdown plunge that put the Eagles ahead 7-0.

The turning sequence began after Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an interception to linebacker Zack Baun that gave Philadelphia a short field. On the ensuing drive, cameras and slow-motion replays appeared to show right guard Tyler Steen move before the snap on the fourth-and-1, yet officials did not flag the play. Hurts converted the fourth down and two plays later scored on a second tush-push attempt.

FOX Sports officiating analyst Mike Pereira said on the broadcast that the movement was "a false start" and acknowledged how difficult the sequence is to officiate in real time. Former referee Dean Blandino declared he was "done" with the...